Four players debut for the Manu Samoa against Canada as the two sides square off once again at a neutral venue, this time on the French coast in Vannes. Despite both being part of the Pacific Nations Cup, the last time they met was two years ago in Colwyn Bay, where the Samoa thrashed the Canucks by 30 points and a terribly one sided affair. Canadian captain Hubert Buydens was one of the chosen few on that day, but only four others remain from that starting lineup, with the same number turning up for Samoa.
Those who follow ITM Cup rugby will recognize three Counties Manukau players added to the Samoan backline. Former England u20 rep Michael Stanley starts for the first time at flyhalf after a brief cameo against Italy, and he is joined by hard running centre Reynold Lee-Lo and multi-skilled utility Ahsee Tuala, who runs out at fullback after wearing no10 shirt for most of the domestic season. Former Waratahs winger Alofa Alofa, now starring with Lyon in the Top 14, replaces Ken Pisi on the right side with captain David Lemi retained on the left.
The fourth newcomer is another ITM Cup standout in the form of Otago dynamo T.J. Ioane. The back rower will certainly be one to watch with his distinctive hairstyle and powerful running game. Joining him in the pack are two London Irish forwards, second row Daniel Leo and all-action no8 Ofisa Treviranus, who lines up opposite his clubmate Jebb Sinclair. Cardiff Blues enforcer Filo Paulo partners Leo in a heavyweight engine room.
France-based Maurie Fa’asavalu and Ole Avei add experience to the pack along with the return of Toulouse piano mover Census Johnston. The giant tighthead will be a serious test for Buydens & Co. at scrum time, an area where Canada struggled against Namibia. Manu Leiataua has come into the squad as cover for Ti’i Paulo who took a few lumps against Italy.
Canada are still without Tyler Ardron and Taylor Paris, but do have Jamie Cudmore and Jeff Hassler back this week. Another addition is London Welsh back row Richard Thorpe, a former teammate of Sinclair’s at London Irish. Thorpe qualifies through a Canadian mother, though it’s a bit of a mystery why he has waited until the age of 30 to exercise his credentials, having never been close to an England cap. His experience and versatility will be welcomed in the squad, but he isn’t the sort of game breaker Canadian fans are screaming for up front.
The experiment of D.T.H. van der Merwe at fullback has ended very abruptly, with James Pritchard handed an immediate recall and the Glasgow star shifted to the wing. Hassler provides a boost on the right wing, with the rest of the backline still intact. Sinclair’s move to no8 comes as John Moonlight returns to Canada to recover from a slight knock taken last Friday, and Brett Beukeboom is the man given the chance to fill in at lock. Aaron Carpenter replaces an out-of-form Ray Barkwill at hooker, and both Andrew Tiedemann and Jon Phelan are on the bench after missing out against Namibia.
Make no mistake, this is a difficult match for Canada. The Samoans had a poor outing against Italy but have demonstrated their ever-improving depth by completely revamping the side and rolling out some real quality. The coastal weather might help the Canadian cause somewhat, but the key battle will be fought on the gainline. If Samoa’s powerful carriers can get in behind the Canadian tacklers it will be lights out, and in a hurry. Look for Stanley to impress in his maiden run-out and his damaging midfield to make their mark early. Samoa win a physical match by 12.
SAMOA vs CANADA
Friday, November 14, 18:00 GMT, Vannes
Referee: George Clancy (IRFU)
Assistants: Alexandre Ruiz (FFR) & Claudio Blessano (FIR)
TMO: n/a
