Former All Black Lima Sopoaga misses out through injury as Samoa coach Seilala Mapusua on Wednesday made three changes to the team to face Argentina at the World Cup.

Paul Alo-Emile comes in at tighthead prop in place of Michael Alaalatoa while Brian Alainu'u'ese is picked at lock with Theo McFarland moving into the back row and Taleni Seu dropping to the bench.

In the backs, Ben Lam comes in on the left wing with Nigel Ah Wong swapping flanks and Danny Toala starting on the bench for Friday's Pool D encounter.

Sopoaga, who was a replacement in Samoa's opening 43-10 victory over World Cup debutants Chile, has had a bad few days after losing his kicking tee following Saturday's match.

Samoa did not say what injury he is suffering from.

Prop Charlie Faumuina and backs Melani Matavao and D'Angelo Leuila come into the matchday 23 having not been picked against Chile.

The Samoans face an Argentina side desperate to make up for their lacklustre opening performance when they lost 27-10 against 14-man England.

Team (15-1)

Duncan Paia'aua; Nigel Ah Wong, UJ Seuteni, Tumua Manu, Ben Lam; Christian Leali'ifano, Jonathan Taumateine; Steven Luatua, Fritz Lee, Theo McFarland; Chris Vui (capt), Brian Alainu'u'ese; Paul Alo-Emile, Seilala Lam, James Lay

Replacements: Sama Malolo, Charlie Faumuina, Michael Alaalatoa, Taleni Seu, Sa Jordan Taufua, Melani Matavao, D'Angelo Leuila, Danny Toala

Coach: Seilala Mapusua (SAM)