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Sydney-born Patrick Pellegrini headlines Moana Pasifika side for Waratahs
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Sydney-born playmaker Patrick Pellegrini will play a Super Rugby Pacific match at Allianz Stadium for the first time in just a couple of days, with Moana Pasifika naming their team to face the Waratahs on Friday evening.
Pellegrini has been selected at first five-eighth, starting alongside Melani Matavao in the halves, who is back from injury. Jonathan Tuamateine is also returning from a stint on the sidelines, set to provide cover off the bench.
Tuna Tuitama is back in the run-on side on one wing, joining Glen Vaihu and William Havili in the outside backs trio. Inside centre Tevito Latu and outside centre Soloman Alaimalo make up the midfield pairing, rounding out the starting backline.
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In the forwards, Abraham Pole is back in the First XV at loosehead prop. Pole will pack down next to hooker Millennium Sanerivi and tighthead Chris Apoua, while Paula Latu is one of the front-row replacements selected.
Tom Savage and Veikoso Poloniati are the two starting locks, while captain Miracle Faiilagi leads the team from blindside flanker once again. Openside flanker Semisi Paea and No. 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa complete the First XV.
Moana have won three of their previous four meetings with the Waratahs, including a 33-24 win at Sydney’s Allianz Stadium on June 2, 2023.
Moana Pasifika to take on NSW Waratahs
1. Abraham Pole
2. Millennium Sanerivi
3. Chris Apoua
4. Tom Savage
5. Veikoso Poloniati
6. Miracle Faiilagi (c)
7. Semisi Paea
8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
9. Melani Matavao
10. Patrick Pellegrini
11. Glen Vaihu
12. Tevita Latu
13. Solomon Alaimalo
14. Tuna Tuitama
15. William Havili
Replacements
16. Samiuela Moli
17. Malakai Hala-Ngatai
18. Paula Latu
19. Jimmy Tupou
20. Ola Tauelangi
21. Jonathan Taumateine
22. Faletoi Peni
23. Tyle Pulini
