Manu Samoa are wary of being drawn into a battle royale against Fiji in tomorrow's Pacific Nations Cup clash in Sacramento.
Both teams made a winning start to the competition last week, against the USA and Tonga, and will continue their build-up to the Rugby World Cup at Bonney Field.
Veteran prop Sakaria Taulafo expects a typically bruising encounter against their traditional rivals but says they can't afford to go overboard.
"I think it's going to be much more physical than last week but it's just a matter of trying to stay away from the island almost more fighting and contact each other, instead of using the brain and keeping the structure - what we've been training all week. I think last week we kind of put USA on the backfoot for a bit in the first half. I think it's going to be hard to do that against the Fijians but the coaches and the team are working on a plan to come against a strong Fijian side".
There are six changes to the Samoa run-on fifteen, with coach Stephen Betham continuing to rotate players to test combinations and ensure everyone has game time on tour.
Hooker Motu Matu'u will make his first test start in the only change to the forward pack.
There's a new halves combination with Pele Cowley given then nod in the number nine jersey and Michael Stanley to run the ship at first five.
Johnny Leota and Alofa Alofa return at second five and wing respectively, while Faatoina Autagavaia comes in at fullback.
Local winger Faleniu Iosi is also set to make his test debut off the bench.
Meanwhile Flying Fijians coach John McKee has made seven changes to his starting side.
The Flying Fijians in training before their Pacific Nations Cup clash with Samoa. Photo: Fiji Rugby
Captain Akapusi Qera returns on the openside flank while Clermont flanker Peceli Yato earns his first test start on the blindside.
Peni Ravai, Api Ratuniyarawa, Nemia Kenatale, Gabiriele Lovobalavu and Metuisela Talebula also come into the run-on team.
Samoa squad:
1. Sakaria Taulafo
2. Motu Matu'u
3. Anthony Perenise
4. Teofilo Paulo
5. Faatiga Lemalu
6. TJ Ioane
7. Jack Lam
8. Vavae Tuilagi
9. Pele Cowley
10. Mike Stanley
11. Alesana Tuilagi
12. Johnny Leota
13. Paul Perez
14. Alofa Alofa
15. Faatoina Autagavaia
16. Ma'atulimanu Leiataua
17. Viliamu Afatia
18. Jake Grey
19. Joe Tekori
20. Faifili Levave
21. Vavao Afemai
22. Patrick Faapale
23. Faleniu Iosi
Fiji squad:
1. Peni Ravai
2. Sunia Koto
3. Manasa Saulo
4. Api Ratuniyarawa
5. Leone Nakarawa
6. Peceli Yato
7. Akapusi Qera - Captain
8. Sakiusa Matadigo
9. Nemia Kenatale
10. Ben Volavola
11. Asaeli Tikoirotuma
12. Gabiriele Lovobalavu
13. Vereniki Goneva - Vice Captain
14. Waisea Nayacalevu
15. Metuisela Talebula
16. Viliame Veikoso
17. Campese Maafu
18. Taniela Koroi
19. Nemia Soqeta
20. Malakai Ravulo
21. Henry Seniloli
22. Josh Matavesi
