Samoa bring in Johnston

Must-win match: Samoa tackle Fiji

Samoa coach Titimaea Tafua has named his strongest possible line-up for their Pool D match against Fiji at Eden Park on Sunday.

Census Johnston is given his first start of the 2011 tournament, coming in to replace Anthony Perenise at tighthead while Tusi Pisi returns at number ten after missing the loss to Wales.

Pisi was replaced in the 28th minute of Samoa’s opening 49-12 win over Namibia on September 14 after kicking 10 points, ruling him out of the 17-10 defeat against the Welsh four days later.

“Our game against Wales was not expected,” said Tafua.

“We were prepared to win that game. We will try to pick up the spirits and get ready for the next game.”

In the only other change, Taiasina Tuifua - who injured his ribs against Namibia - takes back the blindside role from Ofisa Treviranus.

Samoa are one point above Wales and Fiji in the battle for the runner-up spot behind South Africa, who leads Pool D by eight points and almost certain to finish first.

Samoa assistant coach Tom Coventry knows his team have to win the two remaining matches and hope other results go their way to reach the quarter-finals.

“I think the equation is pretty simple for us. The first step is getting past Fiji,” he said.

“Last time we played them they actually beat us in Suva in the PNC (Pacific Nations Cup). They played pretty well that day. We know it’s a big challenge for us and we’ll look at South Africa after the weekend.

“It’s about getting through our Pool first and foremost.

“We knew when we arrived here that we’d have to either beat the Welsh or beat the South Africans and the Fijians to get through. We just have to make sure we knock each game off one at a time.”

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 (c), 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.

Date: Sunday, September 25
Kick-off: 15:30 (03:30)
Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
Referee: Bryce Lawrence (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: George Clancy (Ireland), Stuart Terheege (England)
Television match official: Graham Hughes (England)