Solomon Alaimalo will return to Moana Pasifika’s starting 15 when they face his former team, the Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday night.
Alaimalo will start at left wing after recovering from a foot injury which saw him sidelined since Moana Pasifika’s Round 8 win over the Waratahs.
The 29-year-old’s experience and attacking prowess will be hugely beneficial as Moana Pasifika make a push for the playoffs.
This is one of only three changes head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has made to the team that defeated the Blues 27-21 last week.
Other changes include Danny Toala returning to the lineup at inside centre and Tevita Ofa starting at fullback.
Umaga said: “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.”
“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.”
The Chiefs (11.1) and Moana Pasifika (10.8) have made more attacking 22m entries per game than any other teams in Super Rugby Pacific this season.
Moana Pasifika is aiming to win back-to-back away games for the first time in their history.
Unavailable due to injury: Fine Inisi (ankle), James Lay (neck), Michael Curry (neck), Neria Fomai (knee/season), Pone Fa’amausili (calf), Sama Malolo (shoulder/season), William Havili (knee).
Team
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
ENDS
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