Levi leads Samoan no-hopers
Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:59
Japan-based veteran lock forward Filipo Levi was named on Monday to lead an understrength Samoan team to face New Zealand in a one-off Test in New Plymouth on Wednesday.
Many of Samoa's leading players are unavailable because their European clubs refused to release them for this non-sanctioned international.
Levi, a former New Zealand Colt who ironically made his Test debut for Samoa against the All Blacks in 2004, is one of three Japan-based players in the Samoan forward pack.
The majority of the team is Samoa-based, including the entire backline which is drawn from three clubs, Apia, Apia West and Tuamasaga.
Three of the forwards are based in the Samoan capital of Apia, while Exeter lock Chad Slade is the only British-based player to earn a release for the Test, admittedly from a lower division club.
The only New Zealand-based starting player is Counties Manukau prop Simon Lemalu.
His provincial team-mate Romi Ropati will cover the outside backs from the replacement bench, alongside back-up scrumhalf Junior Poluleuligaga of North Harbour.
Samoa: 15 Alatasi Tupou, 14 Reupena Levasa, 13 Pale Toelupe, 12 Jerry Meafou, 11 Esera Lauina, 10 Uale Mai, 9 Notise Tauafao, 8 George Stowers, 7 Alafoti Faosiliva, 6 Semo Sititi, 5 Chad Slade, 4 Filipo Levi (captain), 3 Heroshi Tea, 2 Loleni Tafunai, 1 Simon Lemalu.
Replacements: 16 Lafoga Aoelua, 17 Roysiu Tolufale, 18 Maselino Paulino, 19 Simaika Mikaele, 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Roger Warren, 22 Romi Ropati.
Date: Wednesday, September 3
Venue: Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth
Kick-off: 19.35 (07.35 GMT)
Referee: Stuart Dickinson (Australia)
Touch judges: James Leckie (Australia), Paul Marks (Australia)
TMO: TBC (Australia)
