Samoa v Wales: Week off for Tim Nanai-Williams

Manu Samoa winger Tim Nanai Williams passes to halfback Kahn Fotualii, during The Pasifika Challenge Test match between the All Blacks and Manu Samoa. Photo / Brett Phibbs.

Tim Nanai-Williams will not suit up for Manu Samoa in tonight's test against Wales in Apia.

The Chiefs utility back was impressive in the first spell against the All Blacks last Friday, bring a cutting edge to the Samoan backline and stepping past his cousin Sonny Bill Williams in one movement.

But, in a compromise reached between the Chiefs and Manu Samoa, even though we are in the June international window, he played for his franchise on Tuesday night against the Lions and will sit out tonight's clash in Samoa. He will, however, be available for the crucial RWC qualifiers in Tonga (July 1) and against Fiji (July 15).

So Nanai-Williams will miss the Chiefs' final regular season match against the Brumbies on July 15. It was felt that Samoa's encounter with Wales, though important in several regards, was not of the utmost importance to warrant his inclusion so soon after playing against the Lions.

Coach Alama Ieremia has rung seven changes from the squad that was hammered 78-0 by a rampant All Blacks at Eden Park.

Injury ruled out wing Albert Nikoro from the rest of this programme, but squad skipper David Lemi returns on the left flank. First five D'Angelo Leuila will play fullback, while Alapati Leiua shifts to the wing. Former Steelers midfielder Rey Lee-Lo comes into the No 12 jersey after not being ready to face the All Blacks due to injury. Poneke openside flanker Galu Taufale will debut, while Paul Alo-Emile will wear the No 3 jersey after Census Johnston withdrew for 'personal reasons.'

Some of the players from French clubs may have some issues as the international window finishes this weekend and yet the RWC qualifiers wind up in three weeks.

Wales have a very inexperienced side, with just 151 caps, having lost wing Alex Cuthbert to a shoulder injury in the 24-6 win over Tonga, while four have joined the Lions in New Zealand. Gareth Anscombe, who played well at fullback last weekend, wins his 11th cap.
Samoa should be slight favourites given they are at home and should be better for the clash with the All Blacks.

Manu Samoa: D'Angelo Leuila, Alapati Leiua, Kieron Fonotia, Rey Lee-Lo, David Lemi (c), Tusi Pisi, Kahn Fotuali'i (c), Alafoti Faosiliva, Galu Taufale, Piula Faasalele, Faatiga Lemalu, Chris Vui, Paul Alo-Emile, Manu Leiataua, Viliamu Afatia

Reserves: Seilala Lam, Nephi Leatigaga, Bronson Fotuali'i-Tauakipulu, Faifili Levave, Vavae Tuilagi, Dwayne Polataivao, Henry Taefu, Tila Mealoi

Wales: Gareth Anscombe, Cory Allen, Tyler Morgan, Jamie Roberts (c), Steffan Evans, Sam Davies, Aled Davies, Josh Navidi, Ellis Jenkins, Aaron Shingler, Rory Thornton, Seb Davies,
Dillon Lewis, Ryan Elias, Nicky Smith
Reserves: Scott Baldwin, Wyn Jones, Rhodri Jones, Adam Beard, Thomas Young, Tomos Williams, Owen Williams, Scott Williams