Pool C: A combination of absent players and a bad draw left Samoa with no chance of matching previous World Cup giant-killing performances, and they will have to settle for big wins, starting against Uruguay today.

Twice quarter-finalists and once into the quarter-final playoffs, Samoa have a proud World Cup record but one that will not be improved this year.

Pool C big guns England and South Africa are out of Samoa's league, especially as the Pacific islanders are in Australia without leading players such as Trevor Leota and George Harder, who refused to take part for financial reasons.

However, the squad remains one of the hardest hitting in the competition and Uruguay are in for a bruising game.

Coach John Boe has selected a full-strength team, naming Brian Lima at inside centre in his fourth World Cup. Lome Fa'atau and hefty newcomer Sailosi Tagicakibau take the wings. But it is up front where the Samoans hope to impress against a willing Uruguayan pack.

Uruguay coach Diego Ormaechea has made five changes to the starting line-up from the team thumped 72-6 by South Africa on Saturday as he bids to give all his players a taste of the action.

Uruguay's points-scoring chances will be improved by the return to the starting line-up of full back and goalkicker Juan Ramon Menchaca, who started on the bench on Saturday after arriving late at the tournament because of work commitments.

SAMOA: T Vili; L Fa'atau, T Fanolua, B Lima, S Tagicakibau; E Va'a, S So'oialo; K Lealamanua, J Meredith, J Tomuli, O Palepoi, L Lafaiali'i, P Poulus, M Fa'asavalu, S Sititi (capt). Replacements: M Schwalger, S Lemalu, K Viliamu, D Tuiavi'i, D Tyrell, D Rasmussen, D Feaunati.

URUGUAY: J Menchaca; J Pastore, D Aguirre (capt), M Mendaro, C Baldasarri; B Amarillo, J Campomar; R Sanchez, D Lamelas, P Lemoine, J Bado, J Alzueta, M Gutierrez, N Grille, R Capo. Replacements: J Perez, J Machado, J Alvarez, N Brignoni, I Conti, J de Freitas, J Viana.

Referee: David McHugh (Ireland).