Moana Pasifika has announced a formidable lineup for their upcoming match against the Blues, which will take place this Saturday night at North Harbour Stadium as they aim for a strong finish to the Super Rugby season. Head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has made only two changes to the winning team that recently triumphed over the Highlanders with a score of 34-29.
The noteworthy additions to the starting 15 include Patrick Pellegrini, who will step in as first-five eighth, and Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou returning to the tight-head prop position. This match holds a special significance, as Tito Tuipulotu will compete against his brother, Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu, for the first time while representing Moana Pasifika. Furthermore, fans will be eager to see the Tuipulotu brothers face off, adding an exciting family dynamic to the game.
After enjoying a bye week, players Samiuela Moli and Sione Havili Talitui are returning to the squad, feeling rejuvenated. Notably, Allan Craig also joins the team after recently welcoming a baby son. “We know it’s going to be a battle with playoff implications, and both teams will want to come out strong from the start,” stated Umaga, highlighting the high stakes of the match.
Moana Pasifika is striving for consecutive victories against New Zealand teams for the first time in their franchise history, and they hope to draw a record crowd given the local interest surrounding this anticipated clash, which is expected to resonate deeply with both Auckland and Pacific communities.
However, the team will be without several key players due to injuries, including Alamanda Motuga, Fine Inisi, Michael Curry, Neria Fomai, Pone Fa’amausili, and Sama Malolo, which underscores the physical demands of the sport.
The following is the starting lineup:
1. Tito Tuipulotu
2. Millennium Sanerivi
3. Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou
4. Tom Savage
5. Samuel Slade
6. Miracle Faiilagi
7. Ardie Savea ©
8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
9. Jonathan Taumateine
10. Patrick Pellegrini
11. Kyren Taumoefolau
12. Danny Toala
13. Lalomilo Lalomilo
14. Tevita Ofa
15. William Havili
The bench will include Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Allan Craig, Sione Havili Talitui, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, and Julian Savea.
As Moana Pasifika prepares for this pivotal game, there is a prevailing sense of hope and determination among the team and their fanbase. The players are not only fighting for a vital win but also to solidify their identity within the competitive landscape of Super Rugby pacific, showcasing their cultural heritages with pride. Fans can anticipate an electrifying atmosphere as they rally behind their team, hopeful for a memorable performance.
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