Moana Pasifika face Highlanders in Queenstown pre-season clash

Moana Pasifika will head south to face the Highlanders in their first pre-season match of 2024, this Friday 2nd February at Queenstown Events Centre. 

The teams will follow a modified game format of four 20-minute quarters.

Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga says it will be an important match in Moana Pasifika’s preparation for the new season, which sees them add 20 new players to the squad.

“It will be a good opportunity to go through new combinations and have a hit out, and with a lot of fresh faces in the team this year, we want to give everyone available the chance to have a run,” said Umaga.

“We’ve been training against each for a while now so it will be good to play against someone different for a change and see where we’re at and where we can get better,” he said.

New Moana Pasifika Captain James Lay will lead the first team in the opening 20 minute block, before Sekope Kepu and Julian Savea share skipper duties to end the first forty minutes. The last two teams to play will be led by Sione Havili-Talitui. 

Kepu will be eager to get back on the field after missing the entire 2023 season due to an achilles injury. 

“We’re looking forward to having Sekope back, he’s an integral part of this club and a veteran of our game. He’s worked hard to get back on the field and I’m sure he’s keen to get back out there again,” said Umaga.

All teams named have a mix of experience and youth, with many also running out for the first time in Moana Pasifika colours. 

Moana Pasifika and the Highlanders will meet again for their first match of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific season, at Forsyth Barr Stadium on February 24.

Pre-season Match 1

Moana Pasifika v Highlanders

Queenstown Events Centre, Field 2

Kick off, 6:00pm

First 20-minute block

1. James Lay (c)
2. Sama Malolo
3. Sekope Kepu
4. Tom Savage
5. Ofa Tauatevalu
6. Irie Papuni
7. Alamanda Motuga
8. Iakopo Mapu
9. Aisea Halo
10. William Havili
11. Tuna Tuitama
12. Henry Taefu
13. Pepesana Patafilo
14. Viliame Fine
15. Danny Toala

Second 20-minute block

1. Abraham Pole
2. Sama Malolo / Samiuela Moli
3. Sekope Kepu (c) / Sione Mafileo
4. Tom Savage
5. Ofa Tauatevalu
6. Irie Papuni
7. Alamanda Motuga
8. Iakopo Mapu
9. Aisea Halo / Siaosi Nginingini 
10. William Havili / D’Angelo Leuila
11. Tuna Tuitama
12. Henry Taefu / Julian Savea (c)
13. Pepesana Patafilo
14. Kyren Taumoefolau
15. Danny Toala

Third 20-minute block

1. Abraham Pole / Sateki Latu
2. Samiuela Moli
3. Sione Mafileo
4. Samuel Slade
5. Allan Craig
6. Miracle Faiilagi
7. Sione Havili-Talitui (c) 
8. Semisi Paea
9. Siaosi Nginingini
10. D’Angelo Leuila
11. Anzelo Tuitavuki
12. Julian Savea
13. Neria Fomai
14. Nigel Ah Wong
15. Kyren Taumoefolau

Fourth 20-minute block

1. Sateki Latu 
2. Tomasi Maka
3. Suetena Asouma
4. Samuel Slade
5. Allan Craig
6. Miracle Faiilagi
7. Sione Havili-Talitui (c)
8. Semisi Paea
9. Ereatara Enari
10. Christian Lealiifano
11. Anzelo Tuitavuki
12. Neria Fomai
13. Nigel Ah Wong
14. Viliame Fine
15. Kyren Taumoefolau

Unavailable for selection:

Donald Brighouse, Ivan Fepuleai, Solomone Funaki, Fine Inisi, Lotu Inisi, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Otumaka Mausia, Viliami Napa’a, Connor Seve, Ola Tauelangi, Jonathan Taumateine, Jonathan Toelupe, Salesi Tuifua.

ENDS

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