Savea vs Sititi: Moana name strong side for shot at history in Hamilton

Former Chiefs winger Solomon Alaimalo will return to Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato this weekend, having been named to return for Moana Pasifika in the high-stakes round 15 clash, which will have major ramifications on the playoff race.

This will also be Alaimalo’s first appearance for Moana since round eight, with the flyer spending a decent stint on the sidelines with a foot injury. But coach Tana Umaga has bolstered Moana’s hopes of an upset, naming the former Wests Tigers speedster in the run-on side.

After recording the first-ever win over the Blues last time out, Moana sit in sixth place with only two rounds left. But with two tough away matches against the Chiefs and Hurricanes coming up, Moana still have plenty of work to do in a bid to play finals football.

2025 Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year Ardie Savea will captain Moana once again, with the All Black set to come up against Wallace Sititi for the first time ever. Along with the return of Alaimalo, Danny Toala and Tevita Ofa also make their way into the First XV.

“We know that these next few games are crucial for us heading into the business end of the season, so we’ve got to be at the top of our game,” coach Umaga said in a statement.

“The Chiefs are a quality side who have been very consistent. We’re aiming to go down to Hamilton to compete, doing everything we can to finish in the top six.”

Tito Tuipulpto will pack down alongside Millennium Sanerivi and Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou in the front row, while Tom Savage and Samuel Slade round out the tight five as the two locks. In-form Miracle Faiilagi joins Savea and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa in the loose forwards.

In the backs, Jonathan Taumateine will link up with Tonga international Patrick Pellegrini in the halves, with Toala and Lalomilo Lalomilo named outside them in the midfield. Alaimalo starts on the left wing, with Kyren Taumoefolau on the right, and Ofa at fullback.

Julian Savea and Jackson Garden-Bachop are among the backs on the bench.

Moana are looking to win back-to-back away matches for the first time in team history.

This match will get underway at 7:05 pm NZT on Saturday evening at FMG Stadum Waikato.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

5

Draws

0

Wins

0

Average Points scored

59

18

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

40%

Moana Pasifika’s team to take on Chiefs

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. Patrick Pellegrini

11. Solomon Alaimalo

12. Danny Toala

13. Lalomilo Lalomilo

14. Kyren Taumoefolau

15. Tevita Ofa

Impact

16. Samiuela Moli

17. Abraham Pole

18. Chris Apoua

19. Allan Craig

20. Sione Havili Talitui

21. Melani Matavao

22. Julian Savea

23. Jackson Garden-Bachop