Michael Alaalatoa is set to make his Test debut on Saturday night for Samoa when they face the Wallabies on Saturday night.
Crusaders front rower Alaalatoa won't have the chance to go head-to-head with brother Allan, he will be facing some familiar Super Rugby foes.
Alaalatoa featured in Samoa's match against the New Zealand Heartland XV last weekend but that game was not an official Test.
There are plenty of Aussie connections among the squad with Alaalatoa and Reds halfback Scott Malolua starting for the first time in a Test, with former Brisbane City winger Ed Fidow also in the starting XV.
Former Rebels prop Paul Alo-Emile will come off the bench for the clash while Force back AJ Alatimu has also been named in the 23.
Samoa coach Steve Jackson said selection calls were not easy decisions to make.
"The final selection was really difficult to make with every position tightly contested within the squad," he said.
"But we’ve got a very mobile pack – a strong loose forward trio and we’re big up front. We’ve also got a lot of experience on the bench, who can come into the game and help us finish strongly,” Jackson said.
“This is going to be a huge game in a fantastic stadium and some of our boys are really excited about their first time against a Tier 1 team. So I’m expecting a physical challenge. It’s going to be tough - being Sekope Kepu’s last home game in a Wallaby jersey and the return of David Pocock.
"But if we are able play our brand of rugby then I’m confident we can get the result that we want.”
The Wallabies announced their team on Wednesday evening with star flanker Pocock captaining and starting for the first time in nearly six months.
The Wallabies host Samoa at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday September 7, kicking off at 7:30pm AEST, LIVE on Network Ten, Foxtel, Kayo Sports and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
TEAM
Samoa to face the Wallabies
1. Jordan Lay
2. Ray Niuia
3. Michael Alaalatoa
4. Teofilo Paulo
5. Kane Leaupepe
6. TJ Ioane
7. Jack Lam
8. Afaesetiti Amosa,
9. Scott Malolua
10. Tusi Pisi
11. Ed Fidow
12. Reynold Lee-Lo
13. Alapati Leiua
14. Belgium Tuatagaloa
15. Tim Nanai-Williams.
Reserves
16. Motu Matuu,
17. Paul Alo-Emile
18. Logovii Mulipola
19. Josh Tyrell
20. Seilala Lam
21. Dwayne Polataivao,
22. AJ Alatimu
23. Ah See Tuala
