Former All Black Atu Moli set for Moana Pasifika debut at Eden Park

Former All Blacks prop Atu Moli will debut for Moana Pasifika in this weekend’s clash with the Blues at Auckland’s Eden Park, having been named in the starting side for the round five Super Rugby Pacific derby.

Moli was selected in the All Blacks squad for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, and has since joined Moana Pasifika as an injury replacement. The front-rower has previously enjoyed spells with the Chiefs and the Western Force.

Moli will pack down alongside hooker Millennium Sanerivi in the front row, while Tito Tuipulotu lines up at loosehead prop. Tom Savage and Allan Craig combine as the two locks, with the tight five laying the foundations for a powerful backrow trio.

Captain Miracle Failagi joins Semisi Paea and in-form Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa in the loose forwards, while the likes of Monu Moli and Lolani Faleiva have been named on the bench. Atu and Monu are two of the four Moli brothers at Moana Pasifika.

“It’s pretty cool that we get to train together at this level,” Atu Moli said. “I’ve always asked Samiuela about what Moana’s like. I was always interested in the culture and coming here now and witnessing it, it’s like being home again.

“In the earlier days [of my career], I was riding the high life and making teams.

“Then when the injuries started kicking in, it started going downhill for me.

“Last year I was thinking about throwing in the towel and I was going to retire because I wasn’t getting any interest. What kept me going was God, my wife, son and family…my circle helped me through those times.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

36

18

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

80%

Former All Blacks halfback Augustine Pulu partners Tongan international Patrick Pellegrini in the halves, while Lalomilo Lalomilo and Tevita Latu start the midfield. Gelen Vaihu and Tevita Ofa will line up on a wing each, while playmaker William Havili starts at fullback.

Former Hurricanes and All Blacks midfielder Ngani Laumape has been selected on the bench.

“The Blues are coming off a good win and we know they’ll be looking for some revenge. We’ve just got to focus on ourselves and get our game right,” coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga said.

Moana Pasifika side to take on the Blues

1. Tito Tuipulotu

2. Millennium Sanerivi

3. Atu Moli *

4. Tom Savage

5. Allan Craig

6. Miracle Faiilagi (c)

7. Semisi Paea

8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa

9. Augustine Pulu

10. Patrick Pellegrini

11. Glen Vaihu

12. Lalomilo Lalomilo

13. Tevita Latu

14. Tevita Ofa

15. William Havili

Replacements

16. Mamoru Harada

17. Monu Moli

18. Lolani Faleiva

19. Veikoso Poloniati

20. Dominic Ropeti

21. Joel Lam

22. Ngani Laumape

23. Tuna Tuitama