Rugby Test: Samoans Travel to France

21.11.2009
Samoa v France in Paris

Venue: Stade de France

Referee: David Pearson (England)

Preview
Samoa playing France in a test match is a rare occurrence indeed. It has been ten years since the Samoans faced a French side, their only encounter.

France has made a number of changes to their starting XV from the team that were successful against South Africa last weekend. Coach Lievremont will blood a few new players ringing the changes again as is his fashion. The pack won't be as savage as it was against South Africa but the backs look a more potent combination.

Samoa has had the benefit of a game and a week's preparation under its belt. Can they improve on their 13-17 loss to Wales? They may well do but at the moment the French are at a level above the other European teams.(except perhaps Ireland)

Previous Encounters
12.06.1999 France 39-22 in Apia

GWC Rugby Rankings: World Table-France 1st, Samoa 12th

Prediction: France by 14 points

Teams

France
15 Damien Traille
14 Vincent Clerc
13 Yann David
12 Maxime Mermoz
11 Cédric Heymans
10 Francois Trinh-Duc
9 Julien Dupuy
8 Louis Picamoles
7 Imanol Harinordoquy
6 Thierry Dusautoir, Capt.
5 Romain Millo-Chluski
4 Lionel Nallet
3 Nicolas Mas
2 William Servat
1 Fabien Barcella
Replacements
16 Dimitri Szarzewski
17 Sylvain Marconnet
18 Sébastien Chabal
19 Julien Bonnaire
20 Morgan Parra
21 David Marty
22 Maxime Médard
Head Coach: Marc Lièvremont

Samoa
15 Lolo Lui
14 David Lemi
13 Henry Fa'afili
12 Seilala Mapusua
11 Alesana Tuilagi
10 Fa'atonu Fili
9 Junior Polu
8 Henry Tuilagi
7 Ofisa Treviranus
6 Jonathan Fa'amatuainu
5 Kane Thompson
4 Filipo Levi
3 Cencus Johnston
2 Mahonri Schwalger, Capt.
1 Justin Va'a
Replacements
16 Andrew Williams
17 Jeremiah Fatialofa
18 Iosefa Tekori
19 Misioka Timoteo
20 Uale Mai
21 Fuimaolo-Sapolu
22 Titi Esau
Head Coach: Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua