Two former All Blacks midfield backs will coach Samoa against New Zealand after Aaron Mauger was appointed to an assistant role.
Samoa’s head coach Alama Ieremia, whose All Blacks career ended a year before Mauger's began, announced his new assistant while unveiling a squad of 34 to begin preparing for the Test in Auckland.
Mauger will aid Ieremia for the clash at Eden Park on June 16, followed by a home Test against Wales and World Cup qualifying matches against Tonga and the Vodafone Flying Fijians.
Ieremia has named eight new caps, including former Tasman and Crusaders back Kieron Fonotia, who is now based in Wales with two other former Super Rugby players based in the UK, Reynold Lee Lo and Alapati Leiua.
The only current Super Rugby player selected is versatile Chiefs back Tim Nanai‑Williams.
A lone Samoan‑based player is national sevens playmaker Tila Mealoi.
Twenty players are professionals in France or England while there are four each who play their trade at club and provincial level in New Zealand and Australia.
Samoa squad:
Backs: Kahn Fotuali'i, Auvasa Faleali'i, Dwayne Polataivao, Tusi Pisi, D'Angelo Leuila, Reynold Lee Lo, Kieron Fonotia, Alapati Leiua, Henry Taefu, Tila Mealoi, David Lemi, Albert Nikoro, Tim Nanai‑Williams, Ahsee Tuala.
Forwards: Censuc Johnston, Paul Alo Emile, Viliame Afatia, Nephi Leatigaga, Hisa Sasagi, Bronson Fotuali'i‑Tauakipulu, Maatulimanu Leiataua, Elia Elia, Seilala Lam, Faatiga Lemalu, Chris Vui, Masalosalo Tutaia, Taiasina Tuifua, Piula Faasalele, Jack Lam, Alafoti Faosiliva, Faalemiga Selesele, Faifile Levave, Vaevae Tuilagi, Kelly Meafua.
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