The Azzurri continue their Pacific voyage as they take on the Manu Samoa at home in Apia. Both sides had subpar outings last week so they’ll be keen to step up. Samoa won by a considerable margin when last they met, a year ago in South Africa, and also won when when they last played in Apia in 2000. In fact Italy have only beaten Samoa once, in November of 2009 when the Manu travelled to L’Aquila.
Jacques Brunel has rotated a number of his squad for the match. Alberto de Marchi returns to his favored loosehead side, and George Biagi takes over from Marco Bortolami at lock to earn his first test start. Paul Derbyshire replaces Joshua Furno on the blindside, with new Leiceser signing Robert Barbieri recalled at no8. Mauro Bergamasco continues his march towards his century, winning his 99th cap in his 87th start.
The halfbacks have been rotated with Tito Tebaldi and Tommaso Allan picked to start, outside them a new centre pairing featuring hard hitting duo Gonzalo García and Andrea Masi. Angelo Esposito replaces Leonardo Sarto out wide, with Tommaso Iannone called in to provide cover. Former Gloucester tighthead Dario Chistolini should win his first cap off the bench.
The hosts have spruced up their team after a very lackadaisical opening half against Tonga. Logovi’i Mulipola shifts over to the left side of the scrum to make room for James Johnston, with Ti’i Paulo starting at hooker over in place of Ole Avei. Injury to Faifili Levave sees Kane Thompson move to the back row, with Fa’atiga Lemalu filling his spot at lock beside Daniel Leo. Ofisa Treviranus gets a chance to start after impressing off the bench last weekend.
Kahn Fotuali’i is restored at scrumhalf, with Jeremy Su’a dropped altogether and replaced by Vavao Afemai. Alapati Leiua slides in one position in the midfield with George Pisi outside him, with the outside backs still intact. Piula Fa’aselele and Maurie Fa’asavalu look to make an impact from the reserves, with Patrick Fa’apale called in to cover flyhalf.
Look for both sides to be better this week, as Italy will have settled into the heat and time issues, while Samoa will have dusted off the cobwebs and had a solid week together. The home side is closer to full strength than the visitors, and won’t capitulate in the scrum like the Fijians. Neither team feature a top-level goal kicker so it should be down to tries to determine a victor. Expect Samoa to have the edge with their explosive attackers out wide. Take the Manu to win by around 10 points.
SAMOA vs ITALY
Saturday, June 14, 01:00 GMT, Apia
Referee: George Clancy (IRFU)
Assistants: Andrew Lees (ARU) & James Leckie (ARU)
TMO: n/a
