The build-up to this Friday's test between Wales and Samoa has been fairly low-key but when these two sides take the pitch this weekend you can expect anything but a dull affair. Peter Murison previews all the action...

More than just a November clash, this weekend?s clash between Wales and Samoa is also a dress rehearsal for the pairs 2011 World Cup pool match and the last time they will meet before that showpiece event clash in New Zealand.

The 2008 Six Nations Champions have been seen as a potential powerhouse of world rugby for a number of years now. Despite having fantastic individual talents in their ranks they just have not yet been able to find the winning formula on the international stage.

Last week we saw yet another example of this annoying trend for Welsh fans. Going down 19-12, Wales had a chance to overcome an under-par All Black side but they couldn?t do it. Even without Lions Adam Jones, Lee Byrne and Mike Phillips the Welsh Dragons could have caused an upset but they just could not string 80 minutes together.

Understandably therefore that performance has left an expectant Wales in need of a result to lift morale and confidence with encounters against Argentina and Australia still to come later this month.

This weekend they face another Southern Hemisphere side but one which, hailing from the Pacific Islands, perhaps doesn?t carry the aura of a New Zealand, Australia or South Africa.

"It is important for us to get a result and a performance against a team we will face at the World Cup because it will give us confidence and self-belief - it would be nice to win," said head coach Warren Gatland.

"But, we know in two years time, it will be significantly different in Hamilton because of the support Samoa will get," the New Zealander added.

Big performances from captain Ryan Jones and Lion Gethin Jenkins last weekend were encouraging but they will once again be expected to provide the experience and leadership for the team at the Millennium Stadium.

Scrumhalf Dwayne Peel, left wing Tom James, flyhalf Dan Biggar, hooker Huw Bennett and openside flank Sam Warburton have been drafted in but Gatland has warned his players that places are still up for grabs ahead of the Tests with the Pumas and Wallabies.

"We wanted to make some changes because of the six-day turnaround but we also wanted to make sure we had some continuity in the side," explained former Ireland and Wasps coach Gatland.

"There was a lot of criticism against Italy in last season's Six Nations when I made a number of changes so we have tried to limit the number of them this time around.?

Having frustratingly missed out on last weekend?s fixture, Sale Sharks scrumhalf Peel returns makes a welcomed return to the side while James and Biggar are seen as great prospects for the future.

?Dwayne is an experienced scrumhalf who has been heavily injured in the last 18 months, Tom is back from injury while Dan is someone we want to develop after a good start to the season with the Ospreys.

"Huw was someone really important to us during the 2008 Grand Slam and Sam is a geniune back-up option who can push Martyn Williams for selection.

"I hope the players will put themselves into contention ahead of Argentina next week."

One mistake that Gatland can ill-afford to take however is to overlook this Samoan side.

Led by London Irish flank George Stowers, the Pacific Islanders boast a side brimming with quality and power. Rarely has Samoa coach Fuimaono Tafua had such talents at his disposal and, with one eye on the World Cup, Samoa will be eager to put in an impressive performance against a highly rated Welsh team.

Uncompromising and experienced, the likes of Henry Tuilagi, Seilala Mapusua, David Lemi and Felipo Levi are a match for any international outfit and will be relishing the opportunity to take on Wales.

As always the big question for Samoa will be whether or not they will have had time to settle as a unit in time. Only assembling in the Welsh capital on Monday, Samoa will field a side containing five players from the English Premiership and four from France's Top 14.

Samoa coach Fuimaono Tafua said: "We all know that Wales are one of the best rugby nations in the world and we will face a tough game.

"But it's a great opportunity for us to play a tier one country and we will try our best."

Players to watch:

For Wales: Young flank Sam Warburton has plenty of expectation on his shoulders, it will be very interesting to see exactly how he responds to it all. Back in the team, Dwayne Peel will be hoping to offer Dan Biggar some crisp service while, at the same time, keep his pack motivated against a physical Samoan pack - he will be key this weekend!

For Samoa: The passion and commitment of George Stowers makes him a natural leader but watch out for his dynamic work around the pitch this weekend as well. Further out, former Bristol star David Lemi will be looking to continue his try-scoring form and, if given half a yard, could do just that.

Head-to-head: Two of the world?s top inside centres, Jamie Roberts and Seilala Mapusua, will go toe-to-toe this weekend. Powerful and skilful, both have been in fantastic form over the last 12 months and their clash alone is a reason to tune in on Friday night. Up front all the interest will be on two powerhouse prop forwards - Census Johnston and Gethin Jenkins. Two dynamic prop forwards, their battle at scrum time, as well as around the park, could be key.

Previous results

Nov 2000, Wales won 50-6, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Oct 1999, WC Pool D - Samoa won 38-31, Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
Jun 1994, Samoa won 34-9, Moamoa
Oct 1991, WC Pool C - Samoa won 16-13, Cardiff Arms Park
Nov 1988, Wales won 24-6, Cardiff Arms Park
Jun 1986, Wales won 32-14, Apia

iafrica.com Prediction: While the home side will be heavy favourites the visitors certainly deserve to be taken seriously this weekend. The one major advantage the home side have of course will be their continuity - expect this to come through in the second half and help them to the victory. Wales to win, but by less than ten.

Team:

Wales: 15 James Hook, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 Tom Shanklin, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Tom James, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Dwayne Peel, 8 Ryan Jones (captain), 7 Sam Warburton, 6 Andy Powell, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, 3 Paul James, 2 Huw Bennett, 1 Gethin Jenkins
Replacements: 16 Matthew Rees, 17 Craig Mitchell, 18 Bradley Davies, 19 Jonathan Thomas, 20 Martin Roberts, 21 Jonathan Davies, 22 Morgan Stoddart.

Samoa: 15 Lolo Lui, 14 David Lemi, 13 Gavin Williams, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Anitelea Tuilagi, 10 Fa'atonu Fili, 9 Junior Poluleuligaga, 8 Henry Tuilagi, 7 Ofisa Treviranus, 6 George Stowers (captain), 5 Iosefa Tekori, 4 Filip Levi, 3 Census Johnston, 2 Mahonri Schwalger, 1 Justin Va'a
Replacements: 16 Andrew Williams, 17 Sakaria Taulafo, 18 Kane Thompson, 19 Jonathon Fa'amatuianu, 20 Uale Mai, 21 Henry Fa'afili, 22 Titi Esau

Date: Friday, November 13
Venue: Millennium Stadium
Time: 19.30 (19.30 GMT)
Expected Weather Conditions: Heavy rain shower expected with a maximum temperature of 13?C.
Referee: Peter Fitzgibbon (Ireland)
Assistant referees: Dave Pearson (England), Rob Debney (England)
TMO: Geoff Warren (England)