Strong line-up for Samoa

Samoa have named their strongest possible line-up for the crunch clash with Fiji in Auckland on Sunday.

Pisi, Tuifua and Johnston set to tackle Fiji

Samoa have named their strongest possible line-up for the crunch clash with Fiji in Auckland on Sunday. With both sides having already lost once in the pool stages - Samoa were edged out by Wales while Fiji were outclassed by South Africa - neither can afford to lose if they are to stand a chance of reaching the last eight of the tournament. As a result Samoa head coach Titimaea Tafua has opted to put out his best XV for the all-Pacific islands encounter. Tusi Pisi has been cleared to play after being forced to pull out of the 17-10 defeat to Wales at the 11th hour, while Taiasina Tuifua is also back to full fitness. Giant prop Census Johnston also comes into the line-up, with Tasesa Lavea, Ofisa Treviranus and Anthony Perenise all making way. Bath-bound Perenise drops to the bench, where he is joined by Filipo Levi, Manaia Salavea, Jeremy Sua and James Sooialo. Samoa: 15 Paul Williams, 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau, 13 George Pisi, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 George Stowers, 7 Maurie Faasavalu, 6 Taiasina Tuifua, 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Daniel Leo, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Mahonri Schwalger (capt), 1 Sakaria Taulafo.
Replacements: 16 Ti'i Paulo, 17 Anthony Perenise, 18 Filipo Lavea Levi, 19 Manaia Salavea, 20 Jeremy Sua, 21 Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu, 22 James Sooialo.