Manu Samoa hope to make their mark

Manu Samoa are hoping to compound Welsh misery by making it two defeats in two games when they tackle Warren Gatland's side at the Millennium Stadium on Friday evening in the Invesco Perpetual Series.

Wales lost a close encounter to New Zealand last Saturday and while they are clear favourites to secure a win against the south sea islanders, Manu Samoa captain George Stowers is looking forward to the encounter.

“Wales are one of the best rugby nations in the world. We are expecting a tough game – we just want to go out there and lay down a marker as we are grouped against them in the World Cup. This is a great opportunity for the boys,” explained Stowers.

“Wales had their chances to win against the All Blacks so they will be hurting. But we just have to concentrate on doing our own job. We don’t have too many chances of playing against Tier One sides so we just want to go out there and do ourselves justive.

“We’ll only have four days training together behind us when we take to the field against Wales but we’ll still give it our best shot.”

Samoa: Lolo Lui (Apia); David Lemi (Wasps/ENG), Gavin Williams (Clermont/FRA), Seilala Mapusua (London Irish/ENG), Anitelea Tuilagi (Sale/ENG); Fa'atonu Fili (Wellington/NZ), Junior Poluleuligaga (Bay of Plenty/NZ); Justin Va'a (Glasgow/SCO), Mahonri Schwalger (Sale/ENG), Census Johnston (Toulouse/FRA), Filipo Levi (Newcastle/ENG), Iosefa Tekori (Castres/FRA), George Stowers (capt, London Irish/ENG), Ofisa Treviranus (Apia West), Henry Tuilagi (Perpignan/FRA).

Replacements: Andrew Williams (Apia West), Sakaria Taulafo (Tasman/NZ), Kane Thompson (Dax/FRA), Jonathon Fa'amatuainu (Bath/ENG), Uale Mai (Apia West), Henry Fa'afili (Leeds Carnegie/ENG), Titi Esau (Apia West).