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Lima`s Samoan swansong

Monday 24th September 2007

Waiting game for Brian Lima

Veteran midfielder Brian Lima has been bracketed at inside centre with Elvis Seveali'i in the Samoan line-up for their Pool A match against the United States on Wednesday, despite a disciplinary cloud hanging over his head.

Lima was cited for a dangerous tackle on England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson in Samoa's 22-44 loss and he faces a disciplinary hearing later on Monday.

Lima, the only player to feature in five World Cups, is set to bow out of Test rugby following the tournament.

If he is cleared by disciplinary chiefs though, the 35-year-old will start in midfield alongside Seilala Mapusua for Samoa's final group game against the US Eagles in St Etienne.

Should Lima not be available, Sale Sharks' Seveali'i will take over the number 12 shirt.

Samoa, already eliminated from the competition, have lost flanker Dan Leo (broken wrist) and number eight Henry Tuilagi (shoulder) after a bruising clash against England.

Justin Purdie replaces Leo, with skipper Semo Sititi moving to blindside flanker and Alfie Vaeluaga starting at number eight.

Samoa: 15 Loki Crichton, 14 Lome Fa'atau, 13 Seilala Mapusua, 12 Elvis Seveali'i/Brian Lima, 11 Alesana Tuilagi, 10 Eliota Fuimaono-Sapolu, 9 Junior Polu, 8 Alfie Vaeluaga, 7 Justin Purdie, 6 Semo Sititi (c), 5 Kane Thompson, 4 Leo Lafaiali'i, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Kas Lealamanua.
Replacements: 16 Silao Vaisola Sefo, 17 Naama Leleimalefaga, 18 Joe Tekori, 19 Ulia Ulia, 20 Steve So'oialo, 21 David Lemi, 22 Elvis Seveali'i/Lolo Lui.

Date: Wednesday, 26 September
Venue: Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, Saint Etienne
Referee: Wayne Barnes
Touch judges: Hugh Watkins, Mark Lawrence
Television match official: Dave Pearson
Assessor: Bob Francis