TOKYO, 22 Sep - Samoa coach Vaeluaga Steve Jackson named his team on Sunday evening to take on Russia in their World Cup opener on Tuesday in Kumagaya.

Chris Vui will be the match-day captain in place of Jack Lam, who is injured and unavailable for selection. Vui’s selection at blindside flanker also boosts Samoa’s options at the lineout.

Ten of the starting XV in Samoa's last game - a 34-15 loss against Australia - return to start against Russia. Logovii Mulipola, Motu Matuu, Dwayne Polataivao, Ah See Tuala, as well as captain Vui come in.

The side also features eight players who will make their Rugby World Cup debuts.

"The players that have been selected deserve their selection, especially after the Australian game," Jackson said.

"Some players really put their hands up and that was what it was all about really. We want to keep consistency within the group and especially the starting fifteen. And I think we've done that - barring a few in the front row who deserve their opportunity after the Australian test."

Jackson names four players in the XV who also appeared in the starting line-up four years ago for Samoa's opening game of Rugby World Cup 2015 against the USA - second-rower Teofilo Paulo, fly-half Tusi Pisi, inside-centre Rey Lee-Lo, and Tim Nanai-Williams at full-back. 

Lee-Lo appeared in all four matches for Samoa in RWC 2015 and, since the end of that tournament, his 19 caps are the most for Samoa.

At 37 years and 268 days Tusi Pisi surpasses Peter Fatialofa (36 years 45 days) as the oldest Samoan to play at a Rugby World Cup, while Melani Matavao, should he come off the bench, has the chance to add to his seven tries in nine matches. No scrum-half in the professional era has scored more tries in their first ten appearances.

Ed Fidow appears in his first World Cup game, having scored eight tries in his first eight appearances for Samoa. No Samoa player has been more prolific in their first eight games in the professional era.

Samoa

1. Logovii Mulipola
2. Motu Matuu
3. Michael Alaalatoa
4. Teofilo Paulo
5. Kane Le'aupepe
6. Chris Vui (capt.)
7. TJ Ioane
8. Afaesetiti Amosa
9. Dwayne Polataivao
10. Tusi Pisi
11. Ed Fidow
12. Rey Lee-Lo
13. Alapati Leiua
14. Ah See Tuala
15. Tim Nanai-Williams

16. Ray Niuia
17. Paul Alo-Emile
18. Jordan Lay
19. Senio Toleafoa
20. Josh Tyrell
21. Melani Matavao
22. AJ Alatimu
23. Henry Taefu

RNS sl/pp