Samoa v USA: Rugby World Cup Pool B preview
Last Updated: 18/09/15 4:31pm
Samoa have made nine changes to their side that was beaten by Fiji in last month's Pacific Nations Cup final for their World Cup opener against the United States in Brighton on Sunday.
The main notable absentee is suspended lock Kane Thompson, who has been replaced by Joe Tekori, while captain Ofisa Treviranus is part of an experienced back row alongside Maurie Fa'asavalu and Jack Lam.
Only two backs have survived from the Fiji reverse - scrum-half Kahn Fotuali'i and winger Alesana Tuilagi - in the XV named by coach Stephen Betham.
Tusi Pisi at fly-half and the nimble Ken Pisi and Tuilagi will offer varying threat on the wings, with fullback Tim Nanai-Williams hoping to catch the eye.
Samoa's hopes of progressing out of Pool B is likely to depend on beating Scotland, with South Africa and Japan the other teams in the group.
But first they must overcome the United States, whom they beat 21-16 in the Pacific Nations Cup in July.
"In the past we have often been our own worst enemies," said Betham.
"On the day we can beat any side in the world and on another day we can lose our focus. When we played the All Blacks recently we were nine out of 10. It is my job to make sure we don't go back to having off-days and scoring four out of 10."
On our day we can beat any side in the world. We were nine out of 10 recently against New Zealand and it's my job to make sure we don't have an off-day.
Stephen Betham (right) alongside Kiwis coach Steve Hansen
The United States' increased proficiency in the seven-a-side game offers them the choice of more exciting runners for the World Cup squad but their scrum is likely to feel the effect of Samoan power and their defence will need to cope with the equally strong hits of the Pacific Islanders' backs.
The Americans make only one change to the side which lost to Australia 47-10 in Chicago two weeks ago, after giving the Wallabies a good run in the first half.
Saracens lock Hayden Smith is selected with Cardiff's Cam Dolan dropping to the replacements.
"We've got some who play locally in America, and some players based overseas, so when we get together we all bring a different set of skills to the table," said scrum-half Niku Kruger.
The teams met in the Pacific Nations Cup in July with Samoa winning 21-16.