England v Samoa: Teams
England boss Martin Johnson has told his side not to under-estimate the threat of the Samoans at Twickenham on Saturday.
Last Updated: 20/11/10 2:08pm
England boss Martin Johnson has told his side not to under-estimate the threat of the Samoans at Twickenham on Saturday.
England head into the game on the back of a thrilling victory over Australia, however Johnson is determined to ensure his side maintain its focus against Pacific Islanders.
Samoa almost upset Ireland at Lansdowne Road before going down 20-10 - and Johnson believes that game should serve as a warning to his side.
"The trick against Samoa is that we take care of our performance and mindset. We have to go out there and get the tempo like we did last week," Johnson said.
"It is about keeping the foot down. The key is having the right mindset. That is what good teams do - go out and play. That is what we are trying to do, become consistent.
"We need to try to be better this week. Samoa are a real, real danger this weekend. This is no different to any other Test in the series. They have our full attention."
Battling
Johnson has resisted the temptation to make wholesale changes to his side, with a much-tougher clash against South Africa following on November 27.
Instead only Hendre Fourie, Matt Banahan, James Haskell and David Wilson come into the side.
Samoa have retained the same line-up from their battling display against Ireland in Dublin.
That means the likes of Aviva Premiership-based players Alesana Tuilagi, Seilala Mapasua, George Stowers, David Lemi and Filipo Levi all start.
There is one change on the bench with Census Johnston recalled after the former Saracens prop missed the defeat to Ireland.
England: 15 Ben Foden, 14 Chris Ashton, 13 Matt Banahan, 12 Shontayne Hape, 11 Mark Cueto, 10 Toby Flood, 9 Ben Youngs, 8 Nick Easter (c), 7 Hendre Fourie, 6 James Haskell, 5 Tom Palmer, 4 Courtney Lawes, 3 David Wilson, 2 Dylan Hartley,1 Andrew Sheridan.
Replacements: 16 Steve Thompson, 17 David Wilson, 18 Dave Attwood, 19 Tom Croft, 20 Danny Care, 21 Charlie Hodgson, 22 Delon Armitage.
Samoa: 15 Paul Williams, 14 David Lemi, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapasua, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tasesa Lavea, 9 Kahn Fotualii, 8 George Stowers, 7 Manaia Salavea, 6 Ofisa Treviranus, 5 Filipo Levi, 4 Kane Thompson, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Mahonri Schwalger (c), 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements: 16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Census Johnston, 18 Joe Tekori, 19 Afa Aiono, 20 Junior Poluleuligaga, 21 Jamie Helleur, 22 Gavin Williams.