Manu Samoa make four changes for Romania test

Manu Samoa have made four changes for Sunday morning's rugby test against Romania in Bucharest.

Motu Matu'u starts at hooker, with Manu Leiataua dropping to the bench.

Faatiga Lemalu joins captain Chris Vui in the second row, replacing Josh Tyrrell, who scored on test debut in last weekend's 44-38 defeat by Scotland.

Former captain Ofisa Treviranus makes his first test start since the 2015 World Cup at number eight, with Jack Lam moving to the openside flank in place of TJ Ioane, while Dwayne Polataivao replaces Pele Cowley at halfback.

Brandon Nansen, Maurie Faasavalu and JJ Taulagi are also poised for their first appearance on tour after being named on the bench.

Samoa and Romania have played only once before, with the hosts prevailing 32-24 in Bucharest back in 1989.

Samoa squad:

1. Jordan Lay

2. Motu Matu'u

3. Donald Brighouse

4. Faatiga Lemalu

5. Chris Vui (c)

6. Piula Faasalele

7. Jack Lam

8. Ofisa Treviranus

9. Dwayne Polataivao

10. Tim Nanai Williams

11. David Lemi

12. Reynold Lee-Lo

13. Kieron Fonotia

14. Paul Perez (vc)

15. Ah See Tuala

16. Manu Leiataua

17. James Lay

18. Hisa Sasagi

19. Brandon Nansen

20. Maurie Faasavalu

21. Melani Matavao

22. Jj Taulagi

23. Alapati Leiua

 

 

Photo: AFP. Caption: Ofisa Treviranus will make his first test start against Romania since the 2015 World Cup.