NUKU’ALOFA, TONGA – MAY 03: Solomone Funaki poses for a photo during a Moana Pasifika Super Rugby captain’s run at Teufaiva Sport Stadium on May 03, 2024 in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
Moana Pasifika is back in the motherland to host the Highlanders in a place that lives and breathes rugby.
As teams take the field at Teufaiva Stadium in Nuku’alofa, it’s a chance to be part of history as Tonga witnesses DHL Super Rugby Pacific in person for the first time.
“I still remember the first time I played at Teufaiva Stadium when I was in school. Growing up here the number one sport is rugby and you watch it all the time on TV. So coming to play the first Super Rugby game here is an honour,” said Moana Pasifika flanker Solomone Funaki.
Storylines:
Solomone Funaki returns
What a special game for Funaki to make his comeback from injury.
Born and bred in Tonga, Funaki hails from the villages of Fanga-O’-Pilolevu (Tongatapu) and Pangai (Ha’apai).
He attended Liahona High School and played club rugby in Tonga before making the move to New Zealand.
Homecoming for Tongan players
With many Moana Pasifika players returning to their homeland, Highlanders halfback Folau Fakatava and prop Saula Ma’u will also be returning to their roots.
Both immigrated to New Zealand from Tonga at age 15 and 16. They will play their first professional rugby games in their home country.
12 players of Tongan descent in Moana Pasifika will feature in the match.
Playing for postseason contention
With the Highlanders and Moana Pasifika ranked 8th and 9th on the standings respectively, only one point separates them.
The outcome of this match is important for both teams in their quest for the playoffs. For Moana Pasifika they’ll be aiming for their first playoff run.
Key Match ups:
The Highlanders’ Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens is named at fullback and faces off with Moana Pasifika’s William Havili.
Lethal winger and former Moana Pasifika back Timoci Tavatavanawai will go up against Viliami Fine on the right wing.
Nimble playmakers Folau Fakatava and Jonathan Taumateine also go head to head at halfback.
NUKU’ALOFA, TONGA – MAY 03: Players form a huddle during a Moana Pasifika Super Rugby captain’s run at Teufaiva Sport Stadium on May 03, 2024 in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)
History:
Moana Pasifika last played the Highlanders in Round 1 at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin going down 35-21.
The Highlanders have beaten Moana Pasifika in all three meetings. Both sides are looking for their fourth win of the season.
Match Details:
Kick Off: 3:05pm (local time), 2:05pm (NZT)
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referee 1: Stu Curran
Assistant Referee 2: Jackson Henshaw
TMO: Glenn Newman
ENDS
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