England v Samoa: Johnny Leota and Ken Pisi selected to start
- Published
Autumn internationals: England v Samoa |
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Venue: Twickenham Date: Saturday 22 November Kick-off: 19:00 GMT |
Coverage: Commentary on BBC Radio 5 live from 19:20 GMT; live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app; watch highlights on BBC Two on Sunday 23 November at 13:00 GMT |
Premiership backs Johnny Leota and Ken Pisi are included as part of six changes to the Samoa side to play England at Twickenham on Saturday.
Sale centre Leota and Northampton full-back Pisi come into the side that beat Canada 23-13.
The tourists had threatened to boycott the match in protest against their treatment at the hands of the Samoa Rugby Union.
But it was confirmed on Tuesday, external that the match will go ahead.
Team manager Sami Leota said he was not aware of any plans for the players to stage a visual protest during the game, while captain David Lemi says the off-field problems have galvanised the team.
"It has brought us together and given us more tightness in our preparation and focus for Saturday," he said.
"It's a massive opportunity for us - it has been a while since we played England so we are grateful to have this chance going into the World Cup.
"It is a good test for us - we play the tier two nations but to play against a top five side in the world is a test for us and will tell us where we are ahead of the World Cup."
Samoa: 15 Ken Pisi, 14 Alapati Leiua, 13 Reynold Lee-Lo, 12 Johnny Leota, 11 David Lemi, 10 Tusi Pisi, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i; 1 Zak Taulafo, 2 Ti'i Paulo, 3 Census Johnston, 4 Filo Paulo, 5 Kane Thompson, 6 Maurie Fa'asavalu, 7 Jack Lam, 8 Ofisa Treviranus.
Replacements: 16 Manu Leiataua, 17 Viliamu Afatia, 18 Anthony Perenise, 19 Fa'atiga Lemalu, 20 Dan Leo, 21 TJ Ioane, 22 Pete Cowley, 23 Mike Stanley.
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