Samoa name side for Ireland clash

Samoa have named their side for this weekend’s clash with Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.

Eight of the starting XV play in the Guinness Premiership or the French Top 14 and many of their players such as Alesena Tuilagi, who played for Leicester against Leinster in the 2009 Heineken Cup final and Seilala Mapusua, who lined out for London Irish against Munster in the recent Heineken Cup clash between the sides, will be familiar to fans of Irish rugby.

Hooker Mahonri Schwalger will captain the side, while the pack will be anchored by London Irish’s George Stowers at number eight.

Ireland’s clash with Samoa kicks off at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday at 2.30pm.

Samoa: Paul Williams; David Lemi, George Pisi, Seilala Mapusua, Alesana Tuilagi; Tasesa Lavea, Kahn Fotualii; Sakaria Taulafo, Mahonri Schwalger, Anthony Perenise; Filipo Lavea Levi, Kane Thompsen; Ofisa Trevarinus, Manaia Salavea, George Stowers.

Replacements: Tii Paulo, Simon Lemalu, Iosefa Tekori, Afa Aiono, Junior Poluleuligaga, Gavin Williams, Jamie Helleur.