Samoa have selected Christian Leali'ifano, who scored the most points for Australia at the 2019 World Cup, as flyhalf in their opening Pool D clash against Chile in Bordeaux on Saturday.
Samoa are taking advantage of a relaxation in World Rugby's eligibility rules, which means players who stand down for three years from appearing for one country can then play for another for which they qualify.
That means they can also field former All Blacks Steven Luatua, who starts at No 8, and the versatile Lima Sopoaga as a replacement back.
Samoa will target Chile as their most winnable game in a pool also containing England, Argentina and Japan as they look to progress from the pool stage for the first time since 1999.
🇼🇸 Samoa are ready for their #RWC2023 opener!#SAMvCHI pic.twitter.com/tQaTNdFn2m
— Rugby World Cup (@rugbyworldcup) September 14, 2023
SAMOA TEAM
1 James Lay
2 Seilala Lam
3 Michael Alaalatoa (c)
4 Chris Vui
5 Theo McFarland
6 Taleni Junior Agaese Seu
7 Fritz Lee
8 Steven Luatua
9 Jonathan Taumateine
10 Christian Leali'ifano
11 Nigel Ah-Wong
12 Tumua Manu
13 Ulupano Junior Seuteni
14 Danny Toala
15 Duncan Paia'aua
Replacements:
16 Sama Malolo
17 Jordan Lay
18 Paul Alo-Emile
19 Sam Slade
20 Sa Jordan Taufua
21 Ereatara Enari
22 Lima Sopoaga
23 Ed Fidow