Nanai-Williams at No.10 for Samoa
Edinburgh: Samoa will start outside back Tim Nanai-Williams at first five-eighth for the first time and debut two tight forwards against Scotland at Murrayfield in their rugby tour opener.
Two more backs in the reserves could also make their international debuts on Saturday (Sunday NZ time). Nanai-Williams has featured at fullback since his debut for Samoa before the 2015 Rugby World Cup and for his Counties Manukau side in New Zealand.
However Samoa decided yesterday to give the utility back the job of running the backline for his ninth cap ahead of specialist Australian-based playmakers AJ Alatimu and Rohan Saifoloi.
He will be paired with Pele Cowley at halfback.
The Waikato backup No 9 was called in after injuries to former captain Kahn Fotuali’i and France-based Auvasa Faleali’i ruled them out before the European tour.
Manu Samoa are yet to beat Scotland at Murrayfield or in Scotland. They came closest in 1995, in a 15-15 draw.
Samoa: Ah See Tuala, Paul Perez, Kieron Fonotia, Rey Lee-Lo, David Lemi, Tim NanaiWilliams, Pele Cowley; Jack Lam, TJ Ioane, Piula Fa’asalele, Chris Vui (captain), Josh Tyrell, Donald Brighouse, Manu Leiataua, Jordan Lay. Reserves: Motu Matu’u, James Lay, Hisa Sasagi, Fa’atiga Lemalu, Ofisa Treviranus, Melani Matavao, AJ Alatimu, Alapati Leiua.
AP