Andy Robinson today announced his Scotland Team to face Samoa in Apia on Saturday in the final match of Scotland’s summer tour.
The pack remains largely the same, apart from Richie Vernon replacing John Barclay who has returned home on wedding business. This should mean that there will be a new face on the bench, most likely Rob Harley.
The other major change is Chris Cusiter in for Mike Blair, although the change has not been mirrored at 10 as Alan suggested the other day. Sean Lamont also comes in on the wing for Max Evans to face the side against who he earned his first and 50th caps. Both changes are perhaps aimed at maximising a structured yet physical approach to the game.
Scotland Team: Stuart Hogg, Sean Lamont, Nick De Luca, Matt Scott, Tim Visser, Greig Laidlaw, Chris Cusiter; Ryan Grant, Ross Ford (capt), Euan Murray, Richie Gray, Al Kellock, Al Strokosch, Ross Rennie, Richie Vernon
Replacements: Scott Lawson, Geoff Cross, Tom Ryder, Rob Harley, Mike Blair, Duncan Weir, Max Evans
Samoa Team: Faatoina Autagavaia (Marist St Josephs), Paul Perez (Vaigaga), Fautua Otto (Bristol), Paul Williams (Stade Francais), David Lemi (capt) (Glasgow), Tusi Pisi (Hurricanes), Kahn Fotualii (Ospreys); Sakaria Taulafo (London Wasps), Ti’i Paulo (Clermont), Census Johnston (Toulouse), Faatiga Lemalu (Papatoetoe), Daniel Crichton (Counties-Manukau), Benjamin Masoe (Auckland), Maurie Faasavalu (Harlequins), Kane Thompson (Southland)
Replacements: Ole Avei (Bordeaux), Logovii Mulipola (Leicester), Iosefa Tekori (Castres), Afa Aiono (Leulumoega), Jeremy Sua (Tasman), Ki Anufe (Auckland Marist), Lolo Lui (Moata’a)
Referee: Jaco Peyper for the third week running, after Chris Pollock has called off injured.
Assistant Referees: Ian Smith and Andrew Lees (both Australia)
There’s no word on any TV coverage of Samoa vs Scotland but we will try and keep you up to date somehow.
What are your thoughts ahead of the game?