Samoa vs Scotland preview: What time does it start, what channel is it on and where can I watch it?

A look ahead to the Pool B fixture at St James’ Park

Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw (Getty Images)

This fixture will decide if Scotland will progress to the quarter-finals or will need to wait until Sunday night to decide their Pool B fate.

It’s a big game for…

George Pisi: Restricted in his game time due to injury, he will be wanting to play a big game to not only leave the tournament on a high, but to great the chance for Japan to pass into the quarter finals.

Teams...

Samoa: Tim Nanai Williams; Paul Perez, George Pisi, Reynold Lee-lo, Faatoina Autagavaia; Tusi Pisi, Kahn Fotuali’i; Alafoti Fa’osiliva, Jack Lam, Maurie Fa’asavalu; Kane Thomson, Filo Paulo; Census Johnston, Manu Leiataua, Sakaria Taulafo.

Replacements: Motu Matu’u, Vilaimu Afatia, Anthony Perenise, Faifili Levave, Vavae Tuilagi, Vavao Afemai, Patrick Fa’apale, Ken Pisi.

Scotland: Stuart Hogg; Sean Maitland, Mark Bennett, Matt Scott, Tommy Seymour; Finn Russell, Greig Laidlaw; David Denton, John Hardie, Ryan Wilson; Jonny Gray, Richie Gray; WP Nel, Ross Ford, Alasdair Dickinson.

Replacements: Fraser Brown, Gordon Reid, Jon Welsh, Tim Swinson, Josh Strauss, Henry Pyrgos, Peter Horne, Sean Lamont.

Weird /best stat…

66: This is the number of tackles Richie Gray and Alasdair Dickinson have made, without missing a single one. Gray has managed 37, Dickinson 29. Throughout the tournament, no-one else has made more tackles without missing one.

Remember when…

So’oialo scored his first international try? During the quadrangular tournament of 2013 between the Springboks, Samoa, Scotland and Italy, the Samoans and Scots faced each other. James So’oialo was the beneficiary of a Samoan move that started just outside their 22. He then managed to make an incredibly difficult conversion from the touchline.

Player to watch…

Greig Laidlaw: The Scottish captain is in a great kicking run and has kept up his form from his club, Gloucester. He galvanises his side and leads from the front. Keep an eye on him around the breakdowns as well.

Past three-meetings…

Scotland 17 (Lamont) – Samoa 27 (So’oialo, A. Tuilagi (2)) Quadrangular Tournament June 2013

Scotland 17 (Ansbro, Harley) – Samoa 16 (T. Pisi) Summer Internationals 2012

Scotland 19 (Walker) – Samoa 16 (Fotuali’i) Autumn Internationals 2010

Form guide…

Samoa: DWLWLL

Scotland: WWLWWL

Vital information…

Kick-off: 14.30 Saturday 10th October.

TV: Live on ITV, highlights on ITV