Samoa hooker David Faiumu has been ruled out of Samoa's opening game against Tonga at Penrith Football Stadium tonight.

Faiumu has a slight strain in his hamstring that has not healed sufficiently after he initially injured it while in a training camp in Samoa over a week ago.

His withdrawal will leave the hooking duties to Terence Seuseu with Faiumu dropping off Samoa's five-man bench.

Coach John Ackland will be relying on his senior players to lead Toa Samoa in their first match of the World Cup against Tonga at CUA Stadium tomorrow

night.

While Tonga has already played two matches, Samoa have only had one opposed training session against the Australian Fiji team.

"We're very lucky with our senior group - the likes of Dave Solomona and Nigel Vagana, Tony Puletua and those boys are fantastic leaders," Ackland said

"If the boys follow them I'm sure everyone will be okay and we'll put on a great show."

For the Tongans, Awen Guttenbeil was again named in the starting lineup and is expected to take his place in the front row after being force to withdraw from the Ireland game with a knee injury.

Roosters back rower Mickey Paea will replace Tony Williams on the interchange bench.

SAMOA V TONGA

Penrith Football Stadium

Friday October 31, 6;55pm

Referee:

Samoa: 1. Smith Samau, 2. Francis Meli, 3. George Carmont, 4. Willie Talau, 5. Matt Utai, 6. Nigel Vagana (c), 7. Ben Roberts, 8. Kylie Leuluai, 9. Terrence Seuseu, 10. Tony Puletua, 11. David Solomona, 12. Lagi Setu, 13. Harrison Hansen.. Subs: 14. Frank Puletua, 15. David Faiumu, 16. Joseph Paulo, 17. Ali Lauitiiti, 18. Alby Talipeau.