
Thompson & Tuilagi start in historic test
Newcastle Falcons duo Kane Thompson and Alesana Tuilagi start for Samoa against New Zealand on Wednesday, on a historic day for the country’s team.
Taking place in the capital Apia, the test marks the first time in history that the Samoans will play All Blacks on their home soil.
The match, which was announced in September 2014 and has been eagerly anticipated since, will see a largely full strength All Blacks line up against the hosts as both look to make a strong start to the preparations for the autumn’s Rugby World Cup.
Supporters wishing to watch the match in the UK can do so on Wednesday morning via Sky Sports 1, with the programme starting at 02:45 BST
SAMOA TEAM TO PLAY NEW ZEALAND
Wednesday, July 8th, 2015
Tim Nanai-Williams; Alofa Alofa, Paul Perez, Johnny Leota, **Alesana Tuilagi**; Tusi Pisi, Kahn Fotuali’i; Ofisa Treviranus (captain), Jack Lam, Alafoti Faosiliva, **Kane Thompson**, Teofilo Paulo, Census Johnson, Wayne Ole Avei, Sakaria Taulafo.
Subs: Ma’atulimanu Leiataua, Viliamu Afatia, Anthony Perenise, Iosefa Tekori, Maurie Faasavalu, Pele Cowley, Faialaga Afamasaga, Ken Pisi