Samoa drop Pisi for Bok Test

Samoa coach Stephen Betham has omitted Tusi Pisi from the starting lineup named to face the Springboks at Villa Park.

In one of three changes to the run-on XV that beat the USA 25-16, Pisi is replaced by Mike Stanley at flyhalf. 

Up front, hooker Motu Matu'u earns a starting berth at the expense of Ole Avei, while flank TJ Ioane takes over from Maurie Fa'asavalu on the blindside.

There are also bench changes, with Vavea Tuilagi and George Pisi earning places.

It means all three Pisi brothers (Ken, Tusi and George) could be on the field at the same time, while Vavae could also join older brother Alesana if he gets on.

Samoa – 15 Tim Nanai-Williams, 14 Ken Pisi, 13 Paul Perez, 12 Rey Lee-Lo, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Mike Stanley, 9 Kahn Fotuali'i, 8 Ofisa Treviranus (c), 7 Jack Lam, 6 TJ Ioane, 5 Joe Tekori, 4 Teofilo Paulo, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Motu Matu'u, 1 Zak Taulafo.
Subs: 16 Ole Avei, 17 Viliami Afatia, 18 Census Johnston, 19 Faifili Levave, 20 Vav, 21 Vavao Afemai, 22 Tusi Pisi, 23 George Pisi.

Photo: Julian Finney/Getty Images

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