Samoa v Tonga preview

Samoa v Tonga
Cbus Super Stadium - Saturday 7:40pm

Pacific rivals do battle on the Gold Coast!

After an impressive showing in last year's Four Nations, Samoa will be looking to build upon their strong form in recent years with a win over Tonga. Boosting their chances, Origin hopefuls and star performers Joseph Leilua and Josh McGuire have declared their availability for the test match in order to avenge their disappointing showing in the 36-4 loss in 2013. While Samoa are well served with exciting outside backs and damaging forwards, their biggest weakness remains the inexperience in key play-making positions. With Ben Roberts and Pita Godinet playing in England, along with injuries to Kyle Stanley and Penani Manu'malealii , Samoa will be looking to former Warriors premiership winning five-eighth Carlos Tuimavave to lead the way.

After missing out on featuring in the representative weekend last year, Tonga will be looking to replicate their 2013 performance over Samoa this Saturday. Led by former New Zealand World Cup winner Sika Manu, the Tongan side will be hoping the mixture of established first graders and emerging rookies will provide coach Kristian Woolf with a winning formula. With six former New Zealand Warriors Under 20s players, the Tongan side will possess plenty of attacking ability, however the biggest challenge faced by both sides remains their commitment in defence.

Last meeting: Tonga 36 Samoa 4, Representative Weekend 2013

Who to watch: Having starred for Samoa in last year's Four Nations, Joseph Leilua will be out to replicate his strong start to the year in the Pacific test. Currently averaging over 120 metres a game for the Newcastle Knights, Leilua has been a constant threat for opposition defences with his damaging runs. Coming up against Solomone Kata, Leilua will be hoping his class and experience is able to produce the points needed to get Samoa over the line.

With both sides lacking genuine playmakers, Tonga will be hoping the skill of fullback Tuimoala Lolohea is the difference on Saturday night. Having starred for the Warriors so far this season, Lolohea will be out to make a strong impression in his test debut. With blistering speed and strong support play, Lolohea may well prove the difference between the sides.

The favourite: Somewhat surprisingly, Tonga will come into the match as favourites, despite Samoa's strong showings against the international elite last year.

My tip: With Samoa lacking a genuine playmaker, the Tongan side should get the win in a closely fought contest. Tonga by 4.

1. Tautau Moga 2. Pat Mata'utia 3. Joseph Leilua 4. Ricky Leutele 5. Daniel Vidot 6. Carlos Tuimavave 7. Tim Simona 8. Sam Kasiano 9. Josh McGuire 10. Sauaso Sue 11. Leeson Ah Mau 12. Frank Pritchard 13. Isaac Liu
Interchange: 14. John Asiata 15. Dunamis Lui 16. Sam Lisone 17. Dominique Peyroux 18. Michael Sio

1. Tuimoala Lolohea 2. Jorge Taufua 3. Konrad Hurrell 4. Solomone Kata 5. Mahe Fonua 6. Samisoni Langi 7. Joel Luani 8. Richie Fa'aoso 9. Pat Politoni 10. Peni Terepo 11. Sika Manu 12. Manu Ma'u 13. Siosiua Taukeiaho
Interchange: 14. Sosaia Feki 15. Ben Murdoch-Masila 16. Felise Kaufusi 17. Asipeli Fine 18. John Folau

Referees: Ben Cummins; Sideline Officials: Brett Suttor, Michael Wise; Video Referees: Steve Chiddy, Luke Patten;

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