Sam Lousi is set to make his Test debut for Tonga in Saturday’s Pacific Nations Cup clash with Samoa in Apia.
The new Scarlets signing has been named in the second row for the first round match at Apia Park.
Lousi missed the majority of the season with Super Rugby side the Hurricanes because of a pectoral muscle injury, but has recovered to make his international bow for the Pacific Islanders.
Tonga also play Japan and Canada in the Pacific Nations Cup as they build towards the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
Samoa: 15 Ahsee Tuala, 14 Johnny Vaili, 13 Alapati Leiua, 12 Reynold Lee-Lo, 11 Belgium Tuatagaloa, 10 Ulupano Seuteni, 9 Auvasa Falealii;1 Logovi’i Mulipola, 2 Motu Matu’u (c), 3 Paul Alo Emile, 4 Teofilo Paulo, 5 Kane Leaupepe, 6 Chris Vui, 7 TJ Ioane, 8 Afaesetiti Amosa.
Replacements: 16 Ray Niuia, 17 Jordan Lay, 18 Alofa’aga Sao, 19 Vaito’asa Senio Toleafoa, 20 Alamanda Motuga, 21 Dwayne Polataivao, 22 AJ Alatimu, 23 JJ Taulagi.
Tonga: 15 Nafi Tu’itavake, 14 Tevita Halaifonua, 13 Malietoa Hingano, 12 Cooper Vuna, 11 Viliami Lolohea, 10 James Faiva, 9 Samisoni Fisilau; 1 Paea Fa’anunu, 2 Elvis Taione, 3 Ben Tameifuna, 4 Leva Fifita, 5 Sam Lousi, 6 Onehunga Havili, 7 Maama Vaipulu,8 Nasi Manu (c).
Replacements: 16 Sefo Sakalia, 17 Toma Taufa, 18 Ma’afu Fia, 19 Zane Kapeli, 20 Fotu Lokotui, 21 Sione Vailanu, 22 Leon Fukofuka, 23 Otumaka Mausia.