Two potential debutants named for Ardie Savea's Moana Pasifika home debut

Moana Pasifika host the Highlanders in their first home game of the 2025 season this weekend and look set to welcome two new faces to the Moana family in doing so.

The electric Tevita Ofa and Tongan international Patrick Pellegrini have been named in the 23 and 22 jersey respectively for the game, earning head coach Tana Umaga’s trust early in the season.

“I was pretty shocked to be honest,” Pellegrini said. “It’s always been a dream to play in Super Rugby and I’m very excited and grateful for the opportunity. Going from Australia to England, then getting the opportunity to come back closer to home. For a team like Moana closer to my roots and family, it means a lot.”

With family ties across the globe, including family in Auckland who will be present for the debut, Pellegrini was anticipating some emotions being part of Friday’s festivities: “There will probably be a few tears, they’re going to be very excited.”

Pellegrini credited new teammate Jackson Garden-Bachop for helping him reach the point he is now, ready for his debut.

He says Jackson Garden-Bachop has been influential in his development. “He’s very experienced so I’m learning a lot from him. I’m grateful for how he’s helped me get to the position I’m in now to make my debut.”

Elsewhere in the team, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and Ardie Savea switch jerseys to return the All Black to the position he won World Rugby men’s Player of the Year in 2024.

Moana Pasifika team to play Highlanders

1. James Lay
2. Millenium Sanerevi
3. Sione Mafileo
4. Tom Savage
5. Allan Craig
6. Miracle Faiilagi
7. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
8. Ardie Savea
9. Jonathan Taumateine
10. Jackson Garden-Bachop
11. Kyren Taumoefolau
12. Danny Toala
13. Pepesana Patafilo
14. Solomon Alaimalo
15. William Havili

Reserves

16. Sama Malolo
17. Tito Tuipulotu
18.  Chris Apoua
19. Samuel Slade
20. Ola Tauelangi
21. Melani Matavao
22. Patrick Pellegrini
23. Tevita Ofa

Unavailable due to injury: Alamanda Motuga (shoulder), Fine Inisi (quad), Julian Savea (knee), Lalomilo Lalomilo (concussion), Lotu Inisi (hamstring), Neria Fomai (knee /out for season), Ofa Tauatevalu (lower leg), Semisi Paea (ankle laceration), Sione Havili Talitui (ankle).