Moana Pasifika has named a strong side to face the Blues in their final home game of the regular season on Saturday night, at North Harbour Stadium.
Head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has made only two changes to the starting 15 that defeated the Highlanders 34-29 two weeks ago.
This includes Patrick Pellegrini earning a start at first-five eighth and Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou returning to tight-head prop.
Tito Tuipulotu will also get to play against his brother and Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu for the first time in Moana Pasifika colours. His older brother Hamdahn is also part of the Blues wider squad.
Samiuela Moli and Sione Havili Talitui are another two players re-joining the team, feeling fresh after last week’s bye, as does Allan Craig who recently became a dad to son Miles.
“We know it’s going to be a battle with playoff implications, and both teams will want to come out strong from the start,” said Umaga.
“Our team is feeling refreshed and ready for the challenge, and it’s going to be special playing in front of our passionate fans at North Harbour Stadium once again.”
Moana Pasifika is aiming for consecutive wins against New Zealand teams for the first time in Super Rugby history.
The game is also set to bring in Moana Pasifika’s largest home crowd with the cross-town contest being highly-anticipated for Auckland and Pacific communities.
Unavailable due to injury: Alamanda Motuga (shoulder), Fine Inisi (ankle), Michael Curry (neck), Neria Fomai (knee/season), Pone Fa’amausili (calf), Sama Malolo (shoulder/season).
Team
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
Impact
16. Samiuela Moli
17. Abraham Pole
18. Chris Apoua
19. Allan Craig
20. Sione Havili Talitui
21. Melani Matavao
22. Jackson Garden-Bachop
23. Julian Savea
