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Samoa will use their tour of South Africa, next month, to blood some young players and broaden their World Cup base. The Samoans will play three games in South Africa, before heading to Australia for another two games.

They open their tour with a match against a Lions/Pumas combination in White River on January 6, followed by games against the Bulls in Polekwane (10 January) and Cheetahs in Kimberley on 13 January.

They then head across the Indian Ocean to Australia for matches against the Reds in Brisbane on January 20 and the Western Force in Perth on January 25.

But it will be on the South African leg where they will blood several young players in preparation of their participation in the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France.

The squad of 28 players, which was announced at the weekend, are mostly home-based - from Samoa.

Included in the team is fullback Uale Mai, who was recently voted as the International Rugby Board (IRB) Sevens Player of the Year, ahead of South Africa's Stefan Basson.

Mai, who did not play in the first two rounds of the 2006/07 IRB Sevens series, is trying to concentrate on the 15-man version of the game ahead of the Wold Cup. But his Sevens skills will certainly go on display on the tour.

Also in the team is scrum-half Junior Poluleuligaga, who played for the Blues in the Super 14 last year.

Some of the players in the touring team have also had the experience of playing in the tough NPC in New Zealand this year.

According to Samoa's South African representative, Willem Strauss, Samoa will use the tour to further expand their brand of running rugby in the hope of delivering a few surprises at the World Cup, as they have done in their previous appearances.

Samoa, who are coached by the legendary former All Black Michael Jones, will return to South Africa in June for as test against the Springboks - at Loftus Versfeld.

Samoa are in the same group as South Africa and England at the World Cup.

The Samoan tour group:
Props: Donald Kerslake, Muliufi Salanoa, Iakopo Eti Vaimoso, Pena Falefa.
Hookers: Silao Vaisola Gagaifo, Loleni Tafunai Vaiala.
Locks: Luti Pese Alafua, Mike Sala Leauvaa, Chad Slade Vaivase.
Loose forwards: Ray Stark, Justin Purdie, Wil Brame, Manaia Salavea, Ulia Ulia (captain), Marlon Sione Tafitoala, Mussolini Faalupega.
Scrum-halves: Junior Poluleuligaga, Notise Tauafao.
Fly-halves: Douglas Sanft Sinamoga,
Centres: Jerry Meafou, Willy Lafaele, Pati Fetuiai, Mika Senio.
Wings: Keli Arteria, Asalemo Malo, Timoteo Iosua,
Fullbacks: Uale Mai, Esera Lauina.