Julian Savea returns as Moana Pasifika eye another upset

Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga has welcomed back wrecking ball Julian Savea in his team to face the Crusaders, and backed young halfback Joel Lam to make his first Super Rugby start against his hometown team.

Savea comes straight back into the starting midfield for the fixture, joining fellow powerhouse Lalomilo Lalomilo in the run-on team.

Lam will partner Patrick Pellegrini in the halves after Augustine Pulu was handed a three-game ban for his red card last weekend against the Blues.

Other changes to the team include Niko Jones coming into the starting XV at openside flanker and Tevita Latu shifting out to the right wing as Tevita Ofa drops to the bench.

Moana Pasifika sit last on the Super Rugby Pacific table after five rounds of action, but will be hoping they can replicate the historic efforts of last year’s 45-29 win in Christchurch when they host the rematch this weekend. It will be Moana Pasifika’s first game of the year at their home base of North Harbour Stadium.

“We’ve got to make sure that we don’t just talk about it, but we’re actually living what we talk about. We’re excited about being home, and that’s a huge motivation for us,” Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga said.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

19

37

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

40%

Moana Pasifika team to play the Crusaders

1. Tito Tuipulotu
2. Millennium Sanerivi
3. Atu Moli
4. Tom Savage
5. Allan Craig
6. Miracle Faiilagi (c)
7. Niko Jones
8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
9. Joel Lam
10. Patrick Pellegrini
11. Glen Vaihu
12. Julian Savea
13. Lalomilo Lalomilo
14. Tevita Latu
15. William Havili

Reserves

16. Mamoru Harada
17. Abraham Pole
18. Chris Apoua
19. Veikoso Poloniati
20. Dominic Ropeti
21. Siaosi Nginingini
22. Jackson Garden-Bachop
23. Tevita Ofa

Injury list

Lolani Faleiva (shoulder)
Jimmy Tupou (calf)
Tupou Afungia (neck)
Jonathan Taumateine (knee)
Melani Matavao (calf)
Israel Leota (ankle)