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Five named to debut when Samoa takes field against Canada

Five players will make their debut for Samoa when Manu Samoa takes the field tomorrow against Canada in Wales.But perhaps the most excited player among the debutants to don the blue jersey is Robert Lilomaiava.Tomorrow will be a dream come true for the young Sevens star who has been named to start on the wing.He will pair up with another locallybased star, Paul Perez.Among the debutants are lock Teofilo Paulo, of the Auckland Blues, flanker Fomai Tiavani Fomai, of Hawkes Bay and former rugby league international, Seitamata Sa, who forms a formidable combination with George Pisi in midfield.The team will also have a new captain in prop Sakaria Taulafo who has been chosen to lead the team as regular captain, David Lemi is injured.Five eighth Tusi Pisi has been named Vice Captain.“Tour Captain David Lemi was not considered for selection due to lower back injury,” said Team Manager, Namulauulu Sami Leota.“But Team Doctor Sean Mauiliu is confident that Lemi should be ready for the next game against Wales.”The Canada test is the first of Manu Samoa’s three test matches in the Northern Hemisphere.They play Wales next week and France the following week.Namulauulu said the team is in good spirits and are looking forward to the test.Canadian coach, Kieran Crowley said his team is set for the battle. “Samoa is going to be a tough challenge as always, being ranked 10th in the world…” he said.