Moana Pasifika will take on the Hurricanes in their final pre-season game this Friday 16th February, at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) in Upper Hutt.
The game will start with an early kick off at 2:30pm and is free entry for fans. The teams will play a normal format of two 40 minute halves and a 10 minute half-time break.
Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has named a strong extended squad of 30 for the match, with a mix of fresh and dynamic talent ready to harness the opportunity.
The starting fifteen includes Captain James Lay, former Hurricane Julian Savea and hooker Sama Malolo who scored a try in the team’s first pre-season match against the Highlanders.
With only one-try away from being named Super Rugby’s most prolific try-scorer, Savea will play against his former team for the first time since signing with Moana Pasifika at the end of 2023.
Notable starting spots have been given to development player Kyren Taumoefolau who will be starting at fullback, as well as young Tongan International Semisi Paea at number eight. Rising talent Viliami Fine has also been given another start at the right wing position.
It’s set to be an entertaining spectacle and a chance for players to put it all out on the field for one last time, before the 2024 season commences.
The match will be broadcast live on NZR+ and Sky Sport.
ENDS
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