Savea brothers Ardie and Julian have both been named by Umaga in Moana Pasifika’s match-day 23.
While Ardie returns as captain, his older brother is expected to come off the bench, with the two brothers set to play together for the first time in the Moana Pasifika colours.
The two had played together for the Hurricanes before they separately made the move up North, Julian in 2023 and Ardie at the end of 2024.
Umaga said at the weekend they were disappointed with the loss to the Brumbies last weekend, where the team were also not able to score a single point.
He said while they had made a number of forays into the Brumbies 22 last Saturday, they were not able to score points, something they can not afford against the Drua.
He said the team will need to ensure they get points every time they get into the Drua 22 metre zone this weekend.
“We entered their 22 nine times and we usually come away with points,” Usage told the media at the postmatch conference in Pukekohe.
“For us it’s a learning for us you know. We can’t take things for granted and we still have to understand the detail that gives us opportunities.
“I cant fault the effort and the heart and I think it was probably one of our most defensive efforts.”
Moana Pasifika managed to hold the Brumbies scoreless for almost 35 minutes in the first half before a Correy Toole try sent the visitors to a 5-0 lead at halftime.
Umaga said they will need to ensure that area is well looked after again against the Drua, who he expects to be fast and physical.
“We’re expecting a fast and physical game on Saturday. The Drua are coming off a good win and will be confident,” he said.
“We have to be decisive and have some urgency in the way we play from the outset. We’re also set to have our biggest crowd so the fans will be loud and passionate, and we’re hoping to put up a great performance for them.”
The battle of the Pacific clash between Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua is always an entertaining spectacle and three out of five of their previous contests have been decided by three points or less.
Fullback William Havili returns to the starting XV after missing last week’s clash.
Tito Tuipulotu is back at loosehead prop, with Millennium Sanerivi and Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou joining him in the front row.
Samuel Slade rejoins the starting 15 while in the backline, Danny Toala and Lalomilo Lalomilo pair up in the midfield again.
Umaga has given young hooker Tomasi Maka the chance to start off the bench, filling in for the injured Sama Malolo.
Fijian Drua: 1. Peni Ravai, 2. Mesulame Dolokoto (c), 3. Samuela Tawake, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Leone
Rotuisolia, 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Motikiai Murray, 8. Kitione Salawa, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Isaiah ArmstrongRavula, 11. Ponipate Loganimasi, 12. Isikeli Rabitu, 13. Inia Tabuavou, 14. Taniela Rakuro, 15. Vuate Karawalevu
Bench: 16. Tevita Ikanivere, 17. Meli Tuni, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Elia Canakaivata, 21. Leone Nawai, 22. Kemu Valetini, 23. Selestino Ravutaumada.
Moana Pasifika: 1. Tito Tuipulotu, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Samuel
Slade, 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Ardie Savea (c), 8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 11. Fine Inisi, 12. Danny Toala, 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14. Tevita Ofa, 15. William Havili
Bench: 16. Tomasi Maka, 17. Monu Moli, 18. Chris Apoua, 19. Allan Craig, 20. Sione Havili Talitui, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Patrick Pellegrini, 23. Julian Savea
