KEY POINTS:
Unbeaten New Zealand Maori have named their strongest available team for Saturday's Pacific Nations Cup rugby clash with winless Samoa in Hamilton.
Head coach Donny Stevenson has made 10 changes to the starting line-up that defeated Fiji in a quagmire at Lautoka last weekend, though two have been forced by injury.
First five-eighth Stephen Brett and flanker Daniel Braid have both been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after picking up leg injuries during the tense 11-7 victory.
Callum Bruce, who started the opening game against Tonga, takes over at pivot while Tanerau Latimer replaces Braid on the openside flank.
In other changes to the pack, props Keith Cameron, Bronson Murray and hooker Hikawera Elliott are restored to the front row while Ross Filipo starts at lock in place of Issac Ross.
The loose forward trio has also been altered despite Braid's unavailability with Hoani MacDonald dropping to the bench to allow Liam Messam to return to the blindside flank from No 8, a role handed to Thomas Waldrom.
Former All Blacks halfback Piri Weepu returns in place of Chris Smylie while Shannon Paku replaces Glen Horton on the right wing.
Braid's replacement Scott Waldrom has been named on the bench.
Samoa are seeking their first win after losing to Fiji 17-34 in round one and Australia 15-20 last weekend.
New Zealand Maori
Dwayne Sweeney, Shannon Paku, Tim Bateman, Tamati Ellison (co-captain), Hosea Gear, Callum Bruce, Piri Weepu, Thomas Waldrom, Tanerau Latimer, Liam Messam (co-captain), Jason Eaton, Ross Filipo, Bronson Murray, Hikawera Elliot, Keith Cameron.
Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Jacob Ellison, Hoani MacDonald, Scott Waldrom, Chris Smylie, Jason Kawau, Zar Lawrence.
- NZPA
