Samoa name team to face Wales

Samoa’s side to play Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Friday will include six English Premiership-based players.

London Irish flanker George Stowers captains the team in a pack that features Newcastle lock Filipo Levi and Sale hooker Mahonri Schwalger.

In the backs, Wales will have to be on their guard against the try-scoring threat of Wasps wing David Lemi, London Irish centre Seilala Mapusua and Anitelea Tuilagi of Sale.

Gavin Williams (pictured) is set to be alongside Mapusua in midfield although he has been allowed to return to France to be with his pregnant wife.

Samoa have won three of their six Tests against Wales, including two victories in World Cup matches in Cardiff.

But coach Fuimano Tafua is wary of facing a Wales side showing five changes from the team beaten 19-12 by New Zealand last weekend at the Millennium.

“We are going to be facing a very tough game, but this is a great opportunity for us to play against a tier one rugby nation,” he said.

“We just want to play good rugby on Friday. We see Wales as one of the best tier one teams, but we will be trying our best.”

Mapusua’s time in the Premiership has given him plenty of knowledge of British rugby and he believes Wales are a more formidable opponent than England at present.

The 29-year-old said: “They (England) are not really gelling at the moment. From what I have seen, Wales play more attractive rugby.

“In the England versus Australia game last weekend, if I am being honest, if England had one or two more guys who played like Jonny Wilkinson then they would probably would have won that game.

“And without Jonny there, I think they would have really struggled.

“I think Wales are a more balanced team. England have got a lot of threats across the park, but I don’t think they are playing as a team yet.

“Wales have got their star names, but they are more cohesive and playing as a team.”

Friday’s match will be Samoa’s first of a European tour also featuring Tests this month against France and Italy.

Samoa (15-1):

Lolo Lui; David Lemi, Gavin Williams (pictured) , Seilala Mapusua, Anitelea Tuilagi; Fa’atonu Fili, Junior Poluleuligaga; Henry Tuilagi, Ofisa Treviranus, George Stowers (capt); Iosefa Tekori, Filip Levi; Census Johnston, Mahonri Schwalger, Justin Va’a