Ex-All Blacks Stevenson and Ioane among four debutants as Manu Samoa face Zimbabwe

Manu Samoa head coach Lemalu Tusi Pisi has handed debuts to four players for the Nations Cup clash against Zimbabwe in England, with ex-All Blacks Shaun Stevenson and Josh Ioane the headline names among the newcomers. AJ Lam, who has also spent time in the New Zealand camp, and Castres lock Chris Gabriel complete the group of first-timers.

Ioane is named on the bench at number 22, while Stevenson starts in the back three alongside Lam and Latrell Ah Kiong. Gabriel, the giant lock, is also among the replacements, with his debut set to come from the bench.

Captain Theodore McFarland returns to lead the side after missing the opening three rounds of the Nations Cup, slotting back in at tighthead lock. Miracle Faiilagi, who captained the team in McFarland’s absence, reverts to blindside flanker.

The front row features 69-Test Wallaby Scott Sio, who debuted for Samoa during last year’s 2027 Rugby World Cup qualifying campaign, alongside Richie Asiata and Michael Alaalatoa. Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee partners McFarland in the second row, with Niko Jones and Abraham Papali’i completing the loose forward trio.

Connor Tupa’i and Jacob Umaga start at halfback, with capped All Black Peter Umaga-Jensen named at inside centre and Lalomilo Lalomilo outside him.

Pisi noted that Akira Ioane and Etene Nanai-Seturo are not yet in the matchday squad, though both could still feature later in the Nations Cup.

Samoa team to face Zimbabwe

1. Scott Sio
2. Richie Asiata
3. Michael Alaalatoa
4. Benjamin Petaia Nee-Nee
5. Theodore McFarland (C)
6. Miracle Faiilagi
7. Niko Jones
8. Abraham Papali’i
9. Connor Tupa’i
10. Jacob Umaga
11. AJ Lam
12. Peter Umaga-Jensen
13. Lalomilo Lalomilo
14. Latrell Ah Kiong
15. Shaun Stevenson

Reserves: 16. Sama Malolo, 17. Aki Seiuli, 18. Tietie Tuimauga, 19. Chris Gabriel, 20. Alamanda Motuga, 21. Joel Lam, 22. Josh Ioane, 23. Duncan Paia’aua