Samoa have named their strongest available fifteen as they aim to kick off their campaign with a convincing win against minnows Namibia in Wednesday’s afternoon match in Rotorua. A spirited performance by Namibia against Fiji earlier in the tournament may have influenced the Samoan team selection, while the Samoans will also look to build momentum and team combinations ahead of three tough upcoming matches in Pool D. Namibia play their second match against Pacific opposition in four days and will take heart from a solid first hit-out against a superior Fijian outfit; however a similar outcome is likely against the World Cup pedigree Samoa traditionally possesses.
The Samoan squad is unchanged from the team that upset Australia 32-23 in a momentous match in July that earmarked Samoa as a team to watch. Mahonri Schwalger captains a team famed for its tough tacking, with the likes of George Stowers gracing the pack. Halves Tusi Pisi and Kahn Foutali’I ensure the Samoans aren’t short of flair, while wing duo Alesani Tuilagi and Sailosi Tagicakibau have terrorised opponents in Europe in recent seasons.
Namibia have kept a similar fifteen to that which attacked Fiji with a newfound expansive outlook to complement their solid set piece. Llewellyn Winkler takes the place of young wing Conrad Marais, whodrops from the 22 altogether despite an incisive performance, while No. 8 Pieter Jan van Lill and lock Henk Franken freshen a workhorse pack after warming the bench against Fiji. The form of Theuns Kotze caught the eye on Saturday; the 24 year old needs eight points to become the highest Namibian scorer in World Cup rugby – in just his second game.
Players to watch:
Leicester Tigers wing Alesani Tuilagi has been touted as the next Jonah Lomu in England due to his size and speed and is a sight to behold with ball in hand. Namibia struggled against Fijians with similar attributes and will be hard pressed to shackle his destructive power.
The accurate boot of Theuns Kotze was outstanding in the first half against Fiji before fading; if the young fly-half can perform for the full 80 minutes, Namibia are in with a chance.
Samoa: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Alesani Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali’i, 8 George Stowers, 7 Maurie Faasavalu, 6 Taiasina Tuifua, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Daniel Leo, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Mahonri Schwalger (c), 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements: 16 Ti’i Paulo, 17 Census Johnston, 18 Joe Tekori, 19 Ofisa Treviranus, 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono, 22 Tasesa Lavea.
Namibia: 15 Chrysander Botha, 14 Danie Dames, 13 Danie van Wyk, 12 Piet van Zyl, 11 Llewellyn Winkler, 10 Theuns Kotze, 9 Eugene Jantjies; 8 Pieter Jan van Lill, 7 Jacques Burger (c), 6 Jacques Nieuwenhuis, 5 Henk Franken, 4 Heinz Koll, 3 Raoul Larson, 2 Hugo Horn, 1 Johnnie Redelinghuys
Replacements: Bertus O’Callaghan, Jane du Toit, Nico Esterhuyse, Rohan Kitshoff, Ryan de la Harpe, Darryl de la Harpe, TC Losper