Samoa makes three changes to starting XV against Argentina, Lam to start on the wing

Samoa head coach Seilala Mapusua has made three changes to his starting XV that will take on Argentina in their 2023 Rugby World Cup pool match this weekend.

After their 43-10 bonus point victory against Chile in their first RWC pool clash last week, Mapusua did not want to make too many changes in the squad knowing the challenge ahead as both Argentina and Samoa are treating this game as a do-or-die match.

Samoa and Argentina both know the importance of this game in terms of securing a spot in the knockout stages.

Mapusua has made just one change to his backline from the team that beat Chile last week with former Hurricanes winger Ben Lam starting on the wing in place of Danny Toala.

The other two changes are in the forwards as Paul Alo-Emile comes in at tighthead prop moving Captain Michael Alaalatoa to the bench duty with Brian Alainu’u’ese starting at lock.

Former All Blacks prop Charlie Faumuina will start from the bench.

Samoa will take on Argentina at 3.45am this Saturday.

Starting XV:

15 Duncan Paia’aua, 14 Nigel Ah-Wong, 13 UJ Seuteni, 12 Tumua Manu, 11 Ben Lam, 10 Christian Leali’ifano, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Fritz Lee, 6 Theo McFarland, 5 Chris Vui (c), 4 Brian Alainu’u’ese, 3 Paul Alo-Emile, 2 Seilala Lam, 1 James Lay

Replacements:

16 Sama Malolo, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Michael Alaalatoa, 19 Taleni Seu, 20 Sa Jordan Taufua, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 D’Angelo Leuila, 23 Danny Toala.