Warren Gatland has only made 5 changes to play the south sea islanders. He has talked about the respect he is showing for a team who have a tradition for being hard-hitting ball carriers, and even bigger tacklers.
Veteran Martyn Williams is rested while the highly rated Sam Warbuton fills nuggets boots at 7. Gatland has expressed that Warbuton has a chance to claim the jersey as his own in the future, but insists he must play his own play not try and emulate Williams. Although he should take inspiration from All Black captain Richie McCaw.
Dafydd Jones misses out for the rest of the Autumn internationals due to a shoulder injury that he has undergone surgery for yesterday.
Blues flyer Tom James comes in for Shane Williams to add some height and power to the back three.
Dwayne peel is set to start at scrum-half with Gareth Cooper being rested and Scarlets number 9 Martin Roberts on the Bench.
The only change in the front-row is Huw Bennett replacing Mathew Rees at hooker, while Paul James retains his position at tight-head after a solid return to international rugby.
Wales team to face Samoa this Friday:
James Hook (Ospreys); Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Tom James (all Cardiff Blues); Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Dwayne Peel (Sale); Gethin Jenkins (Blues), Huw Bennett, Paul James (both Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys), Andy Powell, Sam Warburton (both Blues), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt).
Replacements: Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Craig Mitchell (Ospreys), Bradley Davies (Blues), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys), Martin Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Morgan Stoddart (all Scarlets)
TM
