Samoa quintet to face Germany in World Cup play-off

Jack Lam, Tusi Pisi, Alapati Leiua and Jordan Lay – who is among the replacements – are all included, as coach Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua makes seven changes to his starting side with Logovii Mulipola, Motu Matu'u and Paul Alo-Emile forming a completely new front row from the one that lost to Tonga 28-18 in the Pacific Nations Cup.

Lock Josh Tyrell has also been brought in to partner captain Chris Vui in the locking positions.

Ofisa Treviranus will be the third different player to wear the number eight jersey in successive tests with Jack Lam shifting to the openside.

There are two changes in the backline with Otago-based Melani Matavao coming in at halfback and former sevens star Ed Fidow slotting into the right-wing position, pushing vice-captain Paul Perez into the midfield.

Saturday's match is the first leg of the home and away playoff with Samoa set to travel to Germany in two weeks.

The two sides only previous encounter was in 1989 which was won by Samoa in Bonn, Germany, 54-9.

Samoa: 1. Logovii Mulipola, 2. Motu Matu'u, 3. Paul Alo-Emile, 4. Josh Tyrell, 5. Chris Vui (c), 6. Piula Fa'asalele, 7. Jack Lam, 8. Ofisa Treviranus; 9. Melani Matavao, 10. Tusi Pisi, 11. Sinoti Sinoti, 12. Alapati Leiua, 13. Paul Perez, 14. Ed Fidow, 15. Ah See Tuala.

Replacements: 16. Seilala Lam, 17. Jordan Lay, 18. Viliamu Afatia, 19. Joe Tekori, 20. TJ Ioane, 21. Dwayne Polataivao, 22. Patrick Fa'apale, 23. Alofa Alofa.