Samoa head coach Ramsey Tomokino has made an assortment of changes to his side, for Saturday’s Rugby World Cup Pool A showdown with England at Franklin’s Gardens. Tomokino will hand out eight tournament debuts as Samoa prepare for the world's number one ranked side, with the Pacific Islanders considered heavy underdogs as they head to Northampton.
Among the most notable selections are twin locks Christabelle and Demielle Onesemo, who will start a test match together for the first time. Tomokino has also turned to experience on the touch-lines, with Linda Fiafia lining up on the left wing, while number eight duties fall to powerful ball-carrier Nina Foaese.
Samoa will be without Joanna Fanene due to injury, while flanker Melina Salale begins her three-match suspension following a red card against Australia. In further changes, Cathy Lulu Leuta takes her place on the bench to replace the injured Avau Filimaua.
Samoa face an England side who themselves have rotated heavily, with John Mitchell making 13 changes to his starting XV. Jess Breach keeps her place on the wing and is just one try away from reaching 50 for her country, while Claudia Moloney-MacDonald returns from injury to start on the other side-line. Lilli Ives Campion and Abi Burton will make their World Cup debuts in the second row and back row respectively.
Kick-off is 17:30 on Saturday 30th August at Franklin's Gardens.
Samoa matchday squad to face England
Starting XV:
- Denise Aiolupotea
- Faith Nonutunu
- Glory Aiono
- Christabelle Onesemo-Tuilaepa
- Demielle Onesemo-Tuilaepa
- Utumalama Atonio
- Sui Pauaraisa
- Nina Foaese
- Ana Afuie
- Harmony Vatau
- Linda Fiafia
- Fa’asua Makisi
- Keilamarita Pouri-Lane
- Davina Lasini
- Karla Wright-Akeli
Replacements:
16. Lulu Leuta
17. Ti Tauasosi
18. Tori Iosefo
19. Ana-Lise Sio
20. Madisen-Jade Jamie Iva
21. Saelua Leaula
22. Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung
23. TBC
16. Lulu Leuta
17. Ti Tauasosi
18. Tori Iosefo
19. Ana-Lise Sio
20. Madisen-Jade Jamie Iva
21. Saelua Leaula
22. Taytana Pati Ah-Cheung
23. TBC
England matchday squad to face Samoa
Starting XV:
- Kelsey Clifford
- Lark Atkin-Davies
- Sarah Bern
- Lilli Ives Campion
- Rosie Galligan
- Abi Burton
- Marlie Packer (c)
- Maddie Feaunati
- Lucy Packer
- Helena Rowland
- Claudia Moloney-MacDonald
- Jade Shekells
- Megan Jones
- Jess Breach
- Emma Sing
Replacements:
16. May Campbell
17. Mackenzie Carson
18. Maud Muir
19. Morwenna Talling
20. Sadia Kabeya
21. Natasha Hunt
22. Zoe Harrison
23. Ellie Kildunne
16. May Campbell
17. Mackenzie Carson
18. Maud Muir
19. Morwenna Talling
20. Sadia Kabeya
21. Natasha Hunt
22. Zoe Harrison
23. Ellie Kildunne
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