Ex-Wallaby Christian Leali'ifano makes Samoa Rugby World Cup debut against Chile

FILE - Former Australia fly-half Christian Leali'ifano will start in the number 10 jersey in Samoa’s World Cup opener against Chile this weekend. Photo: William West/AFP

FILE - Former Australia fly-half Christian Leali'ifano will start in the number 10 jersey in Samoa’s World Cup opener against Chile this weekend. Photo: William West/AFP

Published Sep 14, 2023

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Former Australia fly-half Christian Leali'ifano will start at fly-half for Samoa's Rugby World Cup opener with Chile this weekend, the Samoan Rugby Union announced on Thursday.

Leali'ifano, 35, replaces ex-New Zealand fly-half Lima Sopoaga for Saturday's game in Bordeaux, four years after featuring for the Wallabies in the tournament.

Leali'ifano switched countries this year benefitting from a World Rugby rule change.

Chile lost 42-12 to Japan in their opening game last Sunday.

After Los Condores, Samoa play Argentina, Japan and England in Pool D.

Samoa (15-1)

Duncan Paia'aua; Danny Toala, UJ Seuteni, Tumua Manu, Nigel Ah Wong; Christian Leali'ifano, Jonathan Taumateine; Steven Luatua, Fritz Lee, Taleni Seu, Theo McFarland, Chris Vui; Michael Aalaalatoa (both co-captains) Seilala Lam, James Lay

Replacements: Sama Malolo, Jordan Lay, Paul Alo-Emile, Samuel Slade, Sa Jordan Taufua, Ereatara Enari, Lima Sopoaga, Ed Fidow

AFP