Moana Pasifika recall big guns for first home game against Force

Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga has rotated his top-stringers back into the matchday 23 for his side’s first home game of the year against the Western Force.

The Pasifika outfit was battered to the tune of 54-10 in their round 2 visit to Wellington, in a game where eight debutants were officially welcomed into the Moana family.

In round 3, the matchday 23 looks a whole lot more like the squad that beat the Drua in Fiji in round 1.

Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi and Chris Apoua are back in the starting front row, with Tom Savage and Allan Craig back in the second row. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa also re-enters the starting unit along with Semisi Paea. Team captain Miracle Faiilagi is the only forward named to start in Pukekohe who also started in Wellington, although he was originally named on the bench for last week’s game.

In the backline, Patrick Pellegrini is the only player retaining his starting spot from last week, joined in the halves by Jonathan Taumateine at halfback. Ngani Laumape and Lalomilo Lalomilo make up the midfield, with a back three of Solomon Alaimalo, Tevita Ofa, and Glen Vaihu.

Tana Umaga said: “We’re going out to South Auckland in Pukekohe where a lot of us have some personal connections, so we’re looking forward to it.

“We love coming home and we love the support of our people, and representing them so we can’t wait to get out there.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

26

33

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

40%

Moana Pasifika team to play the Western Force

1. Tito Tuipulotu
2. Millennium Sanerivi
3. Chris Apoua
4. Tom Savage
5. Allan Craig
6. Miracle Faiilagi (captain)
7. Semisi Paea
8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
9. Jonathan Taumateine
10. Patrick Pellegrini
11. Solomon Alaimalo
12. Ngani Laumape
13. Lalomilo Lalomilo
14. Tevita Ofa
15. Glen Vaihu

Reserves

16. Samiuela Moli
17. Abraham Pole *50th Super Rugby Cap
18. Lolani Faleiva
19. Ola Tauelangi
20. Tupou Afungia *Debut
21. Melani Matavao
22. Jackson Garden-Bachop
23. Tevita Latu *Debut

Injury list

Augustine Pulu (calf)
Israel Leota (ankle)
Jimmy Tupou (elbow)
Niko Jones (foot – integrating back into team units this week)
Paula Latu (knee)
Simon Peter Toleafoa (knee)
William Havili (neck)