Dynamic Moana Pasifika pair Patrick Pellegrini and Tevita Ofa are set to debut off the bench in the team’s first home game, against the Highlanders at North Harbour Stadium on Friday.
Sydney-born Pellegrini is a nifty number 10 who has represented the ‘Ikale Tahi honouring his mum’s Tongan heritage (Mu’a Tatakamotonga). He is also Italian through his father’s family who are from Brescia.
Pellegrini says he was surprised after being told he’d have a chance at his first cap in Super Rugby during Monday’s team meeting.
“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.”
Pellegrini’s parents live in Sydney but he has extended family who are in Auckland. “There will probably be a few tears, they’re going to be very excited.”
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.”
2024 Counties Manukau Steelers MVP, Ofa is an exciting young winger who joined Moana Pasifika as an injury replacement.
He was part of the Chiefs wider training squad last year and has worked hard in the preseason to earn his spot.
Other changes to the Cultural Round squad see powerful prop Sione Mafile’o, experienced lock Tom Savage and entertaining midfielder Danny Toala earn starting spots.
Southland Stags standout Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa is also rewarded with his second start in the back row, leading the competition in carries (37) after the first two rounds.
Moana Pasifika will don their heritage jersey for the first time this Friday, paying homage to the iconic Pacific Islanders team who faced the All Blacks at North Harbour Stadium in 2004.
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).
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