The Samoans, a Tier Two rugby nation, have an impressive record against Wales at the World Cup, winning both their encounters in 1991 and 1999.

Samoa vice captain Seilala Mapusua, however, said there was no doubt which team were tipped to win.

"Wales are the favorites, make no bones about it," he said. "They are ranked ahead of us in the IRB rankings. Hopefully the pressure is on them. We are one of the minnows and we hope to upset them.

"We've put a bit of pressure on ourselves as well. We've got no excuses. It's good to have pressure." World champions South Africa, currently ranked 3rd in the world, head up the group, with Wales (6th), Samoa (10th), Fiji (15th) and Namibia (20th) also battling for one of the two qualifying spots.

Wales lost 17-16 loss to South Africa in their opener last Sunday while Samoa hammered Namibia on Wednesday.

Mapusua conceded it would have been nice to have had a full week to recover like the Welsh did.

"It's tough to play test matches with a four-day turnaround. But it's the cards we've been dealt and we knew that from the start. We've just got to get on with it," he added.

Wales assistant coach Rob Howley said improved mental toughness and some good results against Six Nations teams had helped set new standards and expectations within the team and they were looking forward to the Samoan challenge.

"There's always been a question on mental toughness. I think the words composure and confidence come to mind," he added.

"We've got high standards. We showed those high standards last Sunday and it's important we get to those high standards tomorrow afternoon."
 

Waikato Stadium, Hamilton

30,000

Sunday, Sept. 18 (kickoff 0330)

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

Wales-Samoa

15-James Hook 15-Paul Williams

14-George North 14-Sailosi Tagicakibau

13-Jonathan Davies 13-George Pisi

12-Jamie Roberts 12-Seilala Mapusua

11-Shane Williams 11-Alesana Tuilagi

10-Rhys Priestland 10-Tusi Pisi

9-Mike Phillips 9-Kahn Fotuali'i

8-Toby Faletau 8-George Stowers

7-Sam Warburton (Captain) 7-Maurie Faasavalu

6-Danny Lydiate 6-Ofisa Treviranus

5-Alun Wyn Jones 5-Kane Thompson

4-Luke Charteris 4-Daniel Leo

3-Adam Jones 3-Anthony Perenise

2-Huw Bennett 2-Mahonri Schwalger (Captain)

1-Paul James 1-Sakaria Taulafo

Replacements:

16-Lloyd Burns 16-Ti'i Paulo

17-Gethin Jenkins 17-Census Johnston

18-Bradley Davies 18-Joe Tekori

19-Andy Powell 19-Taiasina Tuifua

20-Tavis Knoyle 20-Jeremy Sua

21-Scott Williams 21-Eliota Sapolu Fuimaono

22-Leigh Halfpenny 22-Tasesa Lavea

Coaches: Warren Gatland Titimaea Tafua
 

Wales 6

Samoa 10

Played: 7

Wales - 4; Samoa - 3

Wales 50-6 in 2000

Samoa 34-9 in 1994

Year Venue Result

1999* Millenium Stadium Samoa won 38-34

2000 Millenium Stadium Wales won 50-6

2009 Millenium Stadium Wales won 17-13

* denotes rugby World Cup match