Team named

Union Chairman, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi said the two players selected from overseas under the newly established World Rugby regulation eight rule are Fritz Lee and Lolagi Visinia from the All Blacks.

The PNC tournament will commence on 2 July 2022.

The Union is confident of the selection and the players are ready for the PNC as well as the World Cup next year.

With the recruitment of overseas players, the Union is worried for the financial instability faced by the Union as there is not enough financial support.

Over the 2022 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season, Moana Pasifika has had to play 4 midweek matches to cater for the postponement of matches due to Covid-19.

This has seen an incredible 46 players capped by Moana Pasifika this year to ensure player welfare is adhered to and the workload is spread evenly throughout the squad.

Manu Samoa stalwart and 40-test international Jack Lam will Captain the side from the back of the scrum in the number eight position.

Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Luteru Tolai and Chris Apoua will combine in the front row for the first time this season.

The match will also see the return of 56-test veteran hooker Dane Coles, who has spent almost a year out after injuring his knee ligaments last November.

Many of the first-choice players are heading to London tonight to prepare for their blockbuster test against England at Twickenham, while the rest of the squad remains in Japan.

Coach Steve Hansen has named newcomers loose forward Dalton Papalii and mid-fielder Matt Proctor to start the game, with six players set to debut off the bench.

Harlequins number eight Matt Luamanu adds further depth to the loose forwards, Western Force first five Rodney Iona will compete with the returning Tusi Pisi for the playmaker's role, while former sevens star Ed Fidow gets his chance out wide in the fifteen-a-side game.

Veteran lock Joe Tekori is set to make his first test appearance since the 2015 World Cup, while Harlequins midfielder Alofa Alofa and Newcastle wing Sinoti Sinoti have also been named in the 28-man squad after last wearing blue three years ago.

Highlanders loose forward Shannon Frizell, Crusaders loose forward Jordan Taufua and Chiefs halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi are the three possible debutantes.

Sam Whitelock captains the side in the absence of the injured Kieran Read.

Also selected are Crusaders teammates Tim Perry, Richie Mo'unga and Jack Goodhue, who played non-Test matches on last year's European tour and are yet to make their Test debuts.

Josh Tyrell comes back into the second row, in place of Faatiga Lemalu, after missing the defeat by Romania in Bucharest.

TJ Ioane gets the start at openside flanker, with Jack Lam shifting to number eight in place of Ofisa Treviranus.

Meanwhile Alapati Leiua will make his first start on tour at second five eighth in place of Reynold Lee-Lo, who drops to the bench.

Samoa have yet to beat England in seven previous tests, with the hosts prevailing 28-9 in their last meeting at Twickenham in 2014.

Samoa squad:

1. Jordan Lay

The matchday 23 features the starting front row of 94-Test veteran Owen Franks, fellow prop Joe Moody and hooker Codie Taylor, with Nathan Harris, Wyatt Crockett and Ofa Tu'ungafasi the front row cover. The experienced locking combination of Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick will pair up for their 44th start together, with Luke Romano providing impact off the bench.

France-based trio Paul Alo-Emile, Masalosalo Tutaia and Auvasa Faleali'i have been called up alongside Ospreys midfielder Kieron Fonotia, Queensland Reds centre Henry Taefu, Samoa 10s representative Bronson Fotuali'i-Tauakipulu, Sydney-based Kelly Meafou and Samoa sevens star Tila Mealoi.

Defence coach Nathan Grey endorsed Hodge as an inside centre option before the Wallabies flew to Auckland on Thursday.

“His skill set, he's a big body, he carries the ball very well and he's got a good passing game that he uses and he's got good speed, so all those attributes are very positive to have in a 12,” he said.

“He defends there, in at 12 anyway for us, so he's used to being in that environment.”

Quade Cooper has been dropped to the bench to make way for Foley to return to his usual playmaking spot.