Samoa names strong lineup for first RWC clash against Chile, Leali’ifano to start at 10

Samoa has named a strong lineup for their first Rugby World Cup 2023 clash against Chile on Sunday with veteran flyhalf and former Wallaby Christian Leali’ifano starting at number 10 with former All Black Lima Sopoaga to start from the bench.

Former All Blacks backrower Steven Luatua is also in the matchday 23 squad and will start at number 8.

The veteran backrower will be joined by Clermont’s Fritz Lee and Waratahs’ Taleni Seu in the backrows.

Prop Michael Alaalatoa will captain the side.

There is plenty of experience on the bench with Sama Malolo, Jordan Lay, Paul Alo-Emile, Sam Slade and Jordan Taufua being the forward replacements, while Sopoaga, Ereatara Enari and Ed Fidow cover the backline.

Samoa will take on Chile at 1am Sunday.

Samoa starting xv:

Samoa: 15 Duncan Paia’aua, 14 Danny Toala, 13 Ulupano Seuteni, 12 Tumua Manu, 11 Nigel Ah-Wong, 10 Christian Leali’ifano, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 Steven Luatua, 7 Fritz Lee, 6 Taleni Seu, 5 Theo McFarland, 4 Chris Vui, 3 Michael Alaalatoa (c), 2 Seilala Lam, 1 James Lay.

Replacements:

16 Sama Malolo, 17 Jordan Lay, 18 Paul Alo-Emile, 19 Sam Slade, 20 Sa Jordan Taufua, 21 Ereatara Enari, 22 Lima Sopoaga, 23 Ed Fidow.

Source: Planet Rugby

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