KEY POINTS:
Samoan coach Michael Jones has made eight changes to his side - meaning no fewer than 15 New Zealand-based players will play - for the World Cup clash with Tonga at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier tomorrow morning (NZT).
It is a much stronger-looking Samoan side than
the one which lost 59-7 to South Africa last week, with six changes in the backs and two in the pack.
Captain Semo Sititi moves from flank to number eight in place of Henry Tuilagi and Ulia Ulia goes to the side of the scrum.
Fullback David Lemi moves to the bench and last week's outside centre Gavin Williams will take the full-back jersey, while his spot will be taken by Elvis Seveali'l.
Winger Lome Fa'atau has been replaced by Sailosi Tagicakibau, while inside centre Jerry Meafou is repalced by Seilala Mapusua.
Fly-half Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu will be replaced by last week's replacement, Loki Crichton, and scrum-half Junior Poluleuigaga is relegated to the bench in favour of Steve So'oialo.
Samoa are obviously targeting this match as a must-win in the hope of a quarter-final appearance..
The 10th-ranked Samoa have dominated Tonga in the past 25 years and head into this test on a best-ever streak of nine consecutive wins, including a 50-3 hammering at home last June.
The Tongans, 14th on the IRB rankings, have been lifted by their first-up 25-15 victory over United States here last Wednesday and are looking for an upset, but Jones is confident of making it 10 straight against their island rivals.
" We'll be facing some determined, angry Tongans. We know how to beat them, but if they beat us that's a feather in their caps."
Teams:
Samoa: Gavin Williams, Sailosi Tagicakibau, Elvis Seveali'I, Seilala Mapusua, Alesana Tuilagi, Loki Crichton, Steve So'oialo, Semo Sititi (capt), Ulia Ulia, Daniel Leo, Kane Thompson, Joe Tekori, Census Johnston, Mahonri Schwalger, Justin Va'a. Reserves: Tanielu Fuga, Muliufi Salanoa, Leo Lafaiali'I, Justin Purdie, Junior Polu, Lolo Lui, David Lemi.
Tonga: Vungakoto Lilo, Tevita Tu'ifua, Sukanaivalu Hufanga, Epeli Taione, Joseph Vaka, Pierre Hola, Enele Taufa, Finau Maka, Nili Latu (capt), Hale T Pole, Paino Hehea, Inoke Afeaki, Kisi Pulu, Ephraim Taukafa, Soane Tonga'uiha. Reserves: Aleki Lutui, Toma Toke, Viliami Vaki, Emosi Kauhenga, Sione Tu'ipulotu, Isileli Tupou, Hudson Tonga'uiha.
* Meanwhile, Fiji coach Ilivasi Tabua will tell his team that dogged determination as well as their traditional running flair will unlock Canada in their clash earlier tomorrow morning.
Fiji, so often associated with the carefree abandon of the sevens game, squeezed past Japan 35-31 in their first match and need another win if they are to have any chance of upsetting the expected Pool B heavyweights Australia and Wales.
