Moana Pasifika has named their team to play the Western Force this Saturday, launching their 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season in Perth.
New Captain Ardie Savea will lead his first ever match for the side which boasts a good mixture of experience and fresh talent.
This includes 22-year-old Manawatū tight-head prop Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou who will make his DHL Super Rugby Pacific and Moana Pasifika debut.
Four other players in the starting lineup will make their Moana Pasifika debut, including exciting hooker Millennium Sanerivi, dynamic playmaker Jackson Garden-Bachop, Samoa Olympic Sevens star Lalomilo Lalomilo and former NRL Tigers winger Solomon Alaimalo.
Sanerivi had a baptism of fire, making his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs in the 2024 Grand Final, and will now play in his second game for a new team.
“It’s a huge honour to be able to wear the jersey for the first time and start as well so I can’t wait,” Sanerivi said.
“I’m grateful that I got an opportunity to come here and learn off these great coaches in a new environment.”
The 25-year-old was born and raised in Mangere South Auckland and was Captain of the Kings College 1st XV.
Sanerivi has also reached a personal milestone, recently becoming a dad.
“It has all come around quick and I’m grateful that I’ve got a good support system behind me.”
“I’m looking forward to being able to go out there and express myself, do my role for the team and hopefully get the outcome we want.”
Tito Tuipulotu and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa also have a chance to play their maiden Super Rugby matches off the bench.
Unavailable due to injury: Lotu Inisi, Neria Fomai and Pone Fa’amausili.
ENDS
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