Moana Pasifika begin their two-week Island road trip with a stop in Fiji, as they face the Drua in a rematch of the battle of the Pacific this Saturday.
The same starting lineup that defeated the Reds in Round 8 will run out in Lautoka.
The only changes are off the bench with Lotu Inisi making a return following a concussion against the Blues in Round 6.
Jonathan Taumateine and Neria Fomai also earn their first run of the season, both working their way back into the playing side after recovering from injuries.
Moana Pasifika Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga said the match will be important for both teams who are 7th and 8th on the standings.
“It’s a big game, the pride of the Pacific all coming together in Fiji and we know that they’ll be well supported. It’s a big task for us to go over there and get the result we’re looking for but it’s something that we’re excited about,” said Umaga.
“We haven’t finished yet. We want more. That’s the kind of attitude we want, we want to always improve ourselves. We want to get better both individually and as a team, but also as a club.”
The fixture has become a highly-anticipated matchup on the Super Rugby Pacific calendar.
In three out of four meetings the game has been decided by three points or less.
The last time they met was during Super Round in Melbourne in March. It was a high-scoring encounter that delivered the theatrics, Pasifika spirit and went down to the wire.
Unavailable due to injury: Anzelo Tuitavuki, James Lay, Kyren Taumoefolau, Ofa Tauatevalu, Samuel Slade.
ENDS
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