Alaalatoa leads Manu Samoa against England

By Shalveen Chand 06 October 2023, 12:02PM

Manu Samoa will be led by Michael Alaalatoa for their last pool match of the Rugby World Cup against England on Sunday morning and young Miracle Tuilagi gets a chance to have a match as he is named on the bench.

Head coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua has named a very changed side from the team that went down to Japan.

Jordan Lay, Sama Malolo and Michael Alaalatoa are front three with Samuel Slade starting for the first time at lock with Brian Alainu’u’ese.

Theo McFarland, Fritz Lee and Steven Luatua are on the flanks and number eight respectively.

The fancy haired Jonathan Taumatiene once again gets the nod to start at halfback with Lima Sopoaga returning from injury to be at pivot.

Danny Toala and Tumua Manu will be in midfield with Neria Fomai on the left wing, Nigel Ah Wong on the right wing and Duncan Paia’aua at fullback.

Seilala Lam, James Lay, Paul Alo-Emile, So’otala La’aso’o, Alamanda Motuga, Melani Matavao, Christian Lealiifano and Miracle Tuilagi are on the substitutes bench.

Meanwhile, there is no mention of co-captain Chris Vui whose name was omitted off the list hours before the Japan game.

Manu Samoa face England on Sunday 8 October at 4.45am Apia time.

 

By Shalveen Chand 06 October 2023, 12:02PM
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