Veteran lock Jimmy Tupou in line for Moana Pasifika debut against Chiefs

Jimmy Tupou is in line to debut for Moana Pasifika on Saturday afternoon, with the veteran lock named in the 23-man squad for a round nine Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Chiefs at Rotorua International Stadium.

Tupou spent time with the Chiefs during the 2024 and 2025 seasons before signing with Moana, adding invaluable experience to the squad. The second-rower has previously spent time with the Blues, Crusaders and Urayasu D-Rocks in Japan.

At provincial level in New Zealand, Tupou was part of the Counties Manukau side that claimed the NPC title during the 2012 season and later captained the Steelers. Tupou played a key role in the team’s fairytale run to the finals last season.

Tom Savage and Veikoso Poloniati have been named to start for Moana against the Chiefs, but Tupou will add impact off the bench. Another player to watch off the pine is Semisi Paea, who is from Rotorua and went to Rotorua Boys High School.

“There is no greater feeling than hearing your name get called in the squad to play in the city that raised you,” Paea said.

“This is a dream come true and I’m looking forward to representing my family and this franchise in my hometown.”

Miracle Faiilagi captains Moana from blindside flanker, joining Samoan international Niko Jones and in-form loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa in the backrow. Paea, who has played for the New England Free Jacks and Tonga, will provide cover in the reserves.

Malakai Hala-Ngatai starts at loosehead prop, joining Millennium Sanerivi and Paula Latu in the front row. Savage and Poloniati round out the tight five as the two starting second-rowers, with Tupou on the bench.

Augustine Pulu will link up with experienced first five-eighth Jackson Garden-Bachop in the halves, while Lalomilo Lalomilo combines with Tevita Latu in the centres. Glen Vaihu and Solomon Alaimalo are the two wingers, with Williams Havili lining up at fullback.

Fixture

Super Rugby Pacific

Moana Pasifika

17 - 62

Full-time

Chiefs

All Stats and Data

Moana Pasifika to take on the Chiefs

1. Malakai Hala-Ngatai

2. Millennium Sanerivi

3. Paula Latu

4. Tom Savage

5. Veikoso Poloniati

6. Miracle Faiilagi (c)

7. Niko Jones

8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa

9. Augustine Pulu

10. Jackson Garden-Bachop

11. Glen Vaihu

12. Lalomilo Lalomilo

13. Tevita Latu

14. Solomon Alaimalo

15. William Havili

Impact

16. Samiuela Moli

17. Abraham Pole

18. Atu Moli

19. Jimmy Tupou

20. Semisi Paea

21. Melani Matavao

22. Patrick Pellegrini

23. Tyler Pulini