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74-Test Wallaby set for Manu Samoa debut in crucial World Cup qualifier
By Finn Morton
Former Wallabies prop Scott Sio will debut for Manu Samoa in this week’s mammoth showdown with Namibia, as the Pacific Island nation looks to take a major step towards qualifying for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
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In the opening weekend of the Final Qualification Tournament at Dubai’s The Sevens Stadium, Samoa recorded a relentless 48-10 win over Brazil. World Cup regulars Namibia fell to Belgium in a stunning 22-15 upset, meaning they must beat Samoa to stay in the qualification race.
Samoa have made eight changes to their starting side for this Test on Thursday evening, including the selection of 74-Test Wallaby Sio at loosehead prop. Sio last wore Australia’s gold jersey against New Zealand in September 2022, recently becoming eligible to play for Samoa.
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The 2015 Rugby World Cup runner-up will pack down alongside Sama Malolo and Tietie Tuimauga in the front row, with Tuimauga retaining his place in the First XV. Taleni Seu and captain Theo McFarland come into the run-on side as the second-row pairing.
McFarland shifts from blindside flanker to No. 5 lock, which has seen Moana Pasifika and Hawke’s Bay enforcer Miracle Faiilagi come into the side. Alamanda Motuga and Iakopo Mapu are the other starting loose forwards, lining up at openside and No. 8 respectively.
Coach Tusi Pisi has retained the reliable halves pairing of Jonathan Taumateine and Rodney Iona, while Lalomilo Lalomilo is promoted from the bench, starting at inside centre. Lalomilo will link up with Tumua Manu in the midfield, who moves from inside to outside centre.
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Vaafauese Apelu Maliko lines up on the left wing yet again, after scoring a try against Brazil. Right winger Latrell Ah Kiong and fullback Jacob Umaga have also been named to start in an unchanged outside backs combination.
“We just talked about it there [in the huddle after the game],” coach Pisi said after the win over Brazil.
“We just need to savour the feeling and make sure we have our feet with the now and enjoy it, and then move on to the next game.”
Samoa’s second match at the Final Qualification Tournament will kick off at 7:30 pm (Dubai time) on Thursday evening, or 4:30 am on Friday morning in Samoa.
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Manu Samoa side to take on Namibia
1. Scott Sio*
2. Sama Malolo
3. Tietie Tuimauga
4. Taleni Seu
5. Theo McFarland (c)
6. Miracle Faiilagi
7. Alamanda Motuga
8. Iakopo Mapu
9. Jonathan Taumateine
10. Rodney Iona
11. Vaafauese Apelu Maliko
12. Lalomilo Lalomilo
13. Tumua Manu
14. Latrell Ah Kiong
15. Jacob Umaga
Replacements
16. Millenium Sanerivi
17. Titi Lamositele
18. Michael Alaalatoa
19. Ben Petaia Nee
20. Abraham Papali’i
21. Connor Tupa‘i
22. Faleto‘i Peni
23. Tuna Tuitama*
*Potential debutant
