Key issue is Morale. At 16, the 'zerkers are virtually impossible to break. At 0.87 speed, their attacks come faster and harder that the Samnite.

While the Samnite's hits easily exceed the armor factor of the 'zerker, the attack value of the 'zerker also exceeds that of the Samnite. Striking 6 times for the Samnite's 5, coupled with higher morale base, the advantage has to go to the 'zerker.

Berzerkers are, of course, one of the reasons for Archer Auxilia. An M1-Garand would be an even better choice, but even CA isn't that anachronistic.