Samoa meet the Azzurri for the second time this year, and the third in 18 months, with the Manu coming out on top on both occasions fairly comfortably. Of course the match in June was played in Apia, and last June in Nelspruit. Five years ago they faced off in Ascoli Piceno and it was the Italians who took the spoils, so home field advantage appears to be highly valuable in this friendly rivalry.
Italy field a significantly different side from their last encounter, with only five players remaining from the starting roster that was shut out at Apia Park. The most important change is the return of Simone Favaro, who joins with Alessandro Zanni and captain Sergio Parisse to restore the first choice back row that last played together in the 2013 Six Nations victory over Ireland in Rome. Zebre’s Dario Chistolini wins only his third cap at tighthead, preferred to Wasps starter Lorenzo Cittadini in the absence of Martín Castrogiovanni, injured once again.
Kelly Haimona is handed a debut at flyhalf, a slightly unusual decision given that he was originally named in the squad as a centre, where he has played most of his rugby this season with Zebre. The New Zealander has recently qualified on residency and is very big for a back, a bit on the slow side but a strong defender and a capable goal kicker. Tommaso Allan meanwhile can’t even win a spot on the bench, with Luciano Urquera preferred instead for reasons unknown.
Making a welcome return to the midfield is Luca Morisi, whose last international appearance ended with an emergency trip to the hospital with a ruptured spleen thanks to a heavy tackle from Fiji’s Asaeli Tikoirotuma. Luke McLean is shoehorned onto the wing to make room for Andrea Masi at fullback, with Six Nations stars Leonardo Sarto and Michele Campagnaro adding plenty of try-scoring ability to round out the backline.
Samoa have named an experienced side with most of their international stars available to them. Mobile Japan-based lock Fa’atiga Lemalu gets the nod in place of Cardiff Blues strongman Filo Paulo, and in the back row the contentious blindside spot goes to giant Castres Piula Fa’asalele. Jack Lam has this week been named co-captain of the tour, with David Lemi retaining the on-field duties for now. Johnny Leota fills in for injured George Pisi in the midfield, forming a powerful combination with former Hurricanes and now Wasps standout Alapati Leiua.
Four uncapped players adorn the reserves bench. Bordeaux’s Patrick Toetu answers an SOS with both Logovi’i Mulipola and James Johnston injured and big brother Census not available until next week. Youngster Pele Cowley covers scrumhalf, while two Stanley cousins wear the blue jersey for the first time. Michael is a former England u20 representative, while Winston played alongside Ken Pisi in the 2009 New Zealand u20 side at the Junior World Cup.
Italy didn’t have much for Samoa in June, but at home and with their big name stars back on deck it’s a different kettle of fish. The Azzurri probably have a slight advantage up front, with the Manu looking a bit sharper out wide. Much will rest on the performance of Haimona at no10. He’ll need to control field position and make his kicks when on offer. It’s a close call, but Samoa might just have enough to snag a victory on Italian soil. Take the visitors by 5.
ITALY vs SAMOA
Saturday, November 8, 14:00 GMT, Ascoli Piceno
Referee: Steve Walsh (ARU)
Assistants: John Lacey (IRFU) & Greg Garner (RFU)
TMO: Gareth Simmonds (WRU)
