Captain Sione Havili Talitui has stated that Moana Pasifika are motivated to “make our people proud” this weekend.
The Fijian Drua hosted Moana Pasifika in the second duel between the two sides this year, having lost the first time around during Super Round in Melbourne.
Moana Pasifika have trusted their winning formula for the battle of the Pacific in Fiji this week, naming an identical starting XV as the team that beat the Reds two weeks ago.
Former Whangarei Boys High School First XV captain Allan Craig will play his first Super Rugby Pacific match in the city on Friday.
The Waratahs got the first Kiwi scalp of the season taking down the defending champion Crusaders, Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua played out a thriller, and the Hurricanes, Blues, Chiefs stayed undefeated.
Julian Savea will start at inside centre for Moana Pasifika as one of 10 club debutants to take on the Highlanders in their season-opener.
Former All Blacks and Wallabies stars Israel Folau, Charles Piutau and Malakai Fekitoa headline the new Tonga squad to compete in July's Pacific Nations Cup and World Cup playoff.
Replacement Tonga back Viliami Fine has learned his fate after his second-half red card for striking England's Marcus Smith last Saturday.
Replacement Tonga back Viliami Fine has learned his fate after his second-half red card for striking England's Marcus Smith last Saturday.
The first 82,000 full house at Twickenham for 20 months celebrated a rout led by Jonny May, Ben Youngs and Jamie George.