Moana Pasifika has named a strong team to compete at the 2025 Super Rugby Under 20s tournament starting this weekend, at Owen Delany Park in Taupō.
The team coached by former Melbourne Storm, Manu Samoa and Super Rugby first-five Tasesa Lavea, has been training hard over the last month in preparation for the competition.
Campaign Manager Kevin Senio says the team is made up of “exciting backs and loose forwards who are quite industrious and love the contact.”
Senio added, “we’ve also got some young boys up front in the engine room so that’s going to be a good challenge for us.”
Campaign Manager Francis Stowers said: “Our key focus has been getting a group of 28 young men that the management team and coaches are comfortable with and we’ve done that.”
“We’ve also focused on connecting as a group to be able to implement our game plan, play with confidence and have the freedom to show our Pacific Island flavour,” Stowers added.
“We’re confident in the team we’ve selected and we believe we’ve got a strong group who can do something special.”
“We want to go to Taupo and give the tournament a good shake up and hopefully surprise a few people.”
The team has a good mix of talent and experience. Hooker Chris Finau is a robust power player from the North Harbour Academy. He was also part of the New Zealand Barbarians U20s side in 2024.
Loose forward Anton Seuseu is a player who is strong in the close quarter contact areas of the game. He comes from the North Harbour Academy, and played for Rosmini College’s 1st XV in 2023 and 2024.
Halfback Boston Krone is another skillful player who is a good game driver. Krone was part of the Auckland Grammar 1st XV in 2023 and 2024 and has come out of the Auckland Academy.
The squad attended Moana Pasifika’s match against the Hurricanes in Round 4, giving them a chance to see what they can aspire to.
The Moana Pasifika Under 20s team will take on the Crusaders Under 20s side in their first match on Saturday 15th March at 3:05pm (NZT). You can view the full tournament schedule here.
All matches will be live and exclusive on SKY.
MOANA PASIFIKA U20S TEAM
Props:
Solo Baleinakasakasa – Fiji
Vainikolo Fifita – Tonga
Loshaunce Leaso – Samoa/Tonga
Graeme Otukolo – Tonga
Saipele Tito – Samoa
Hookers:
Semurana Fepulea’i – Samoa
Chris Finau – Tonga
Caden Tuivaiti – Samoa
Locks:
Josh Fuimaono – Samoa
Josh Fuluifaga – Samoa/Tokelau
Uatesoni Pongi – Tonga
Loose Forwards:
Jay Dunne – Samoa
Vili Havili – Tonga/Niue
Chris Makaafi – Tonga
Thomas Setitaia – Fiji
Anton Seuseu – Samoa/Tonga
Amalani Taiala – Samoa/Tonga
Halfbacks:
David Kama – Fiji
Boston Krone – Samoa
First fives:
Tyler Pulini – Tonga
Hohaia Whiu – Cook Island/Māori
Midfield:
Levi Gwynne-Tuatahi – Samoa/Māori
Paula Lu’au – Tonga
MJ Magele – Samoa
Alan Talataina – Samoa
Wingers:
Josh Peteru – Samoa
Inoke Vaigalu – Tonga
Fullback:
Miracle Vaovasa – Samoa
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Head coach: Tasesa Lavea – Samoa
Assistant coaches: Nathan Kemp – Tonga, George Pisi – Samoa
Team Manager: Ross Asiata – Samoa
Campaign Managers: Kevin Senio – Samoa, Francis Stowers – Samoa
Physio: Julian Hafoka – Tonga
Trainer: Marlon Purcell – Samoa
Video Analyst: Josh Allan – NZ
Sports science: Renee Pama – Samoa
ENDS
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