Chiefs utility back Loki Crichton will make his long awaited debut for Samoa in a test when they meet Fiji in the Pacific Five Nations rugby competition in Suva on Saturday.
Manu Samoa coach Michael Jones has made sweeping changes to his side to face the Fijians. There're six changes and three positional switches to last week's side that beat Japan for Saturday's match at the National Stadium.
"This is the best side on paper and only time will tell if they can deliver against this very good Fijian side," Jones said.
Crichton is the only player to make his debut, but he shouldn't have any trouble fitting into Samoa's style having had Super 14 experience.
"I've waited for this moment and it's finally here," Crichton said.
He played for Samoa in the warm-up match against Northland but this will be his first test.
"Samoa has been after me for four or five years now, but I've finally got the release from the New Zealand Rugby Union to play for them."
Jones spoke highly of Crichton and said the Waikato fullback/winger will play at first five-eighth on Saturday. Crichton is also an accomplished goalkicker
In the changes, Samoa have re-called to the run-on side big props -- Justin Va'a at loosehead and Census Johnstone at tighthead -- to counter the big Fijian pack.
Chad Slade will start at lock in place of Pelu Taele, who will be on the bench.
John Senio regains his halfback berth from Garrick Cowley.
"Senio is our No 1 halfback, we had a chance to see Cowley last weekend," Jones said.
Senio had an outstanding game when he came off the bench against Japan, scoring a brace of tries. He also scored against the Junior All Blacks.
Veteran Brian Lima will start at left wing, with Seilala Mapusua at centre and Eliota Sapolu at second five-eighth.
Tanner Vili moves from first five-eighth to fullback, replacing Timoteo Iosua.
Meanwhile, Fiji coach Wayne Pivac has delayed announcing his side until tomorrow.
"I have some niggling injury worries to some key players and will iron that out before confirming my 22.
One of the likely highlights of the game is shaping up on the flank, where Hurricanes winger Lome Fa'atau will face Fijian star Rupeni Caucaunibuca.
Samoa Rugby Samoa: Tanner Vili, Lome Fa'atau, Seilala Mapusua, Eliota Sapolu, Brian Lima, Loki Crichton, John Senio, Semo Sititi (captain)), Ulia Ulia, Daniel Farani, Chad Slade, Daniel Leo'o, Census Johnstone, Mahonri Schwalger, Justin Va'a. Reserves: Philemon Toleafoa, Muliufi Salenoa, Isaac Feaunati, Pelu Taele, Garrick Cowley, Douglas Sanft, Gasolo Salima.
NZPA