Leicester Tigers wing Tuilagi was among 15 players who have been training together in Sydney since Sunday, with the remaining squad members arriving after the completion of the IRB’s Pacific Nations Cup tournament - which Japan won after surprising Fiji 24-13 in the deciding round-robin match.
Samoa lost to Tonga 29-19 on Wednesday after earlier recording a strong win over Japan in Tokyo – when Tuilagi scored two first-half tries – and a loss to Fiji in Suva.
Sunday’s Test is the first time the two nations have met since 2005, when Australia won 74-7 at the same venue.
Samoa team: 15 Paul Williams (Sale Sharks), 14 Sailosi Tagicakibau (London Irish), 13 George Pisi (ASM Clermont Ferrand), 12 Seilala Mapusua (Ricoh), 11 Alesana Tuilagi (Leicester Tigers), 10 Tusi Pisi (Suntory), 9 Kahn Fotuali’I (Crusaders); 1 Sakaria Taulafo (Wasps), 2 Mahonri Schwalger (c) (Highlanders), 3 Anthony Perenise (Hurricanes), 4 Kane Thompson (Hawkes Bay), 5 Daniel Leo (Bordeaux Begles), 6 Taisina Tuifu’a (Counties, NZ), 7 Maurie Fa’asavalu (Harlequins), 8 George Stowers (Ospreys). Replacements: 16 Tii Paulo (ASM Clermont Ferrand), 17 Census Johnston (Hawkes Bay/Toulouse), 18 Filipo Lavea Levi, 19 Manaia Salavea (Narbonne), 20 Brenton Helleur (North Harbour), 21 Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu (Gloucester), 22 James So’oialo (Wellington)
