A stellar debut off the bench last week sees Patrick Pellegrini earn his first start at fly-half when Moana Pasifika host the Hurricanes on Saturday night.
This is one of five changes made to this week’s team. Potent midfielder Lalomilo Lalomilo has recovered from concussion and returns to the starting lineup at outside centre.
Meanwhile on the bench, powerhouse front-rowers Samiuela Moli and Abraham Pole, as well as nimble halfback Aisea Halo get their first run of the year.
2024 Wellington NPC-winning coach and current Moana Pasifika defence coach, Alando Soakai is looking forward to the match.
“There’s a contingent of players that I’ve coached there, and we’ve got some players here that know some of them really well and have been part of their set up. It’s going to be quite an exciting game,” Soakai said.
“The Hurricanes will be quite desperate to go away with points. They play an expansive game but can also be quite direct in the way they play.
“I went into last week knowing that we didn’t defend well over in Brisbane and against the Force. We showed some really good glimpses last week against the Highlanders where we could defend our goal line for long periods of time.
“This week we’ve honed in on being clear on what our game is and we know we can’t give away an easy 21 points. It’s about staying true to ourselves and playing our game.”
Moana Pasifika will have a bye next week.
Unavailable due to injury: Fine Inisi (quad), Julian Savea (knee), Neria Fomai (knee/out for season), Sione Havili Talitui (ankle), Tito Tuipulotu (knee).
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