Samoa
Nanai-Williams to face off with cousin SBW
ESPN Staff
July 6, 2015
Tim Nanai-Williams will debut for Samoa against the All Blacks © Getty Images
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Full-back Tim Nanai Williams is the only uncapped player named in a hardened Samoan starting team to face the All Blacks in Apia on Wednesday.

The flying Chiefs outside back is rewarded for his decision to pursue Samoan selection last year, becoming eligible after playing a series of sevens rugby tournaments in the last world series. He had previously played sevens for New Zealand.

The other uncapped player is outside back Faialaga Afamasaga, who is on the bench. Afamasaga is the only Samoan-based player in a team mostly comprising European-based professionals. The only players not based in Europe are Nanai-Williams, South African-domiciled centre Paul Perez, veteran Japanese club first five-eighth Tusi Pisi and 22-year-old reserve half-back Pele Cowley, who plays club rugby for Pukekohe.

London Irish No.8 Ofisa Treviranus is captain and one of eight starting players to have notched more than 20 caps - a lot for Samoa, who average three-four Tests a year. The most experienced player is 50-Test Toulouse prop Census Johnston, who announced his retirement earlier this year but has agreed to return for their World Cup campaign.

Among those trimmed from a larger training squad on Monday are former Highlanders flanker TJ Ioane and former Counties Manukau full-back Ahsee Tuala.

The match is the first official Test played by the All Blacks in the Pacific Islands, something Samoa's coaching staff stressed on Monday was inspiring their players ahead of the clash at Apia Park.

Samoa: Tim Nanai-Williams, Alofa Alofa, Paul Perez, Johnny Leota, Alesana Tuilagi, Tusi Pisi, Kahn Fotualii, Ofisa Treviranus (capt), Jack Lam, Alafoti Faosiliva, Kane Thompson, Teofilo Paulo, Census Johnston, Ole Avei, Sakaria Taulafo. Reserves: Ma'atulimanu Leiataua, Viliamu Afatia, Anthony Perenise, Joe Tekori, Maurie Faasavalu, Pele Cowley, Faialaga Afamasaga, Ken Pisi.

© AAP

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