All Blacks legend’s son set for first Samoa start in World Cup qualifier

The son of an All Blacks legend will start a Test match for the first time this week, with Niko Jones selected at openside flanker for Manu Samoa’s showdown with Belgium, which will determine the final qualifier for the 2027 Men’s Rugby World Cup.

Samoa and Belgium are both undefeated from their two must-win matches at The Final Qualification Tournament, setting up a winner-takes-all fixture between the sides on Tuesday, November 18. Namibia will also take on Brazil in the other fixture this week.

Jones debuted for Samoa as a replacement against Scotland earlier this year, before making another appearance at World Cup qualifiers at Dubai’s The Sevens Stadium. The backrower came off the bench in a 48-10 win over Brazil earlier this month.

After missing out on selection for last week’s important clash with Rugby World Cup regulars Namibia, Jones has been called into the run-on side for the first time. The 25-year-old is the son of World Cup-winning All Black Sir Michael ‘Iceman’ Jones, who played one match for Samoa as well.

Coach Tusi Pisi has made a handful of changes to the starting side, with 74-Test Wallaby Scott Sio shifting from the run-on side to the bench. That change has seen Titi Lamositele named in the First XV at loosehead, joining Millennium Sanerivi and Michael Alaalatoa up front.

Ben Petaia Nee Nee joins captain Theo McFarland in the second row. The rest of the forward pack is made up of Miracle Faiilagi at blindside flanker, Jones at openside, and Iakopo Mapu has been retained at the scrum as the No. 8.

Jonathan Taumateine will continue to combine with Rodney Iona in the halves, while Lalomilo Lalomilo combines with Melani Nanai in the midfield. Vaafauese Apelu Maliko and Latrell Ah Kiong start on the wings yet again, with Jacob Umaga competing a reliable back three as the fullback.

“Obviously, we’ve had a few players come in and they brought their experience and just a calibre of where they play, and probably the main stays of our team – that’s coming,” coach Pisi said.

“So it’s been good for the other players that were involved in the last campaign to see the level of these players and where they need to get to.”

Manu Samoa team to take on Belgium

1. Titi Lamositele

2. Millennium Sanerivi

3. Michael Alaalatoa

4. Ben Petaia Nee Nee

5. Theo McFarland (c)

6. Miracle Faiilagi

7. Niko Jones

8. Iakopo Mapu

9. Jonathan Taumateine

10. Rodney Iona

11. Vaafauese Apelu Maliko

12. Lalomilo Lalomilo

13. Melani Nanai

14. Latrell Ah Kiong

15. Jacob Umaga

Impact / Bench
16. Sama Malolo
17. Scott Sio
18. Tietie Tuimauga
19. Taleni Seu
20. Abraham Papali’i
21. Connor Tupai
22. Faletoi Peni
23. Tuna Tuitama