Junior Manu Samoa Captain Wally Tau Vesi during the final of the Oceania U20s Challenge against Fiji.
Moana Pasifika has announced a strong squad that will compete in the annual Super Rugby U20s tournament in Taupō starting this weekend.
12 of the players named have been picked from the Junior Manu Samoa and the Junior ‘Ikale Tahi who competed in the inaugural Oceania U20s Challenge, hosted by Moana Pasifika and Oceania Rugby over the last few weeks.
After a successful campaign Moana Pasifika is grateful to have had a huge pool of young talent to choose from.
Moana Pasifika Pathways Manager Leasiosiofaasisina Kevin Senio said: “The Oceania U20s Challenge provided an exciting pathway for age-grade players across the Pacific to move into the professional environment.”
“It was awesome to see the passion and pride of these players. So many of them impressed us with their skill and hunger to compete, truly earning their spot on this team.”
“The challenge strengthened the connections with our Pacific unions, and so many rising players are now on our radar because of the event which is great for us going into the future.”
Junior Manu Samoa Captain, Wally Tau Vesi will play in his second Super Rugby U20s tournament for Moana Pasifika. The explosive back brings his great leadership skills and flair to the side.
Junior ‘Ikale Tahi’s Peter Mafi will be another player to look out for in the competition, impressing coaches with his hard nosed aggressive style of play.
The team also features players of Fijian and Cook Island descent, as well as a group of local players who are proud to represent their Pasifika heritage.
One of them includes De La Salle College standout Alister Saulala who has shown a lot of promise with his natural athleticism.
Essendon Tuitupou who has starred on the New Zealand age-grade rugby scene will captain the side, bringing plenty of experience having trained with the Moana Pasifika squad this year.
The tournament starts on the 16th of March and goes through until the 23rd at Owen Delany Park. Moana Pasifika will face the Blues U20s team in their first hit out this Saturday at 1:05pm (NZT).
All matches will be live and exclusive on Sky Sport.
MOANA PASIFIKA U20S TEAM
Alex Lui Tafili – Junior Manu Samoa
Alister Saulala – Tonga
Antonio Popoalii – Samoa
Charles Gemmell – Cook Island Māori/NZ Māori
Christopher Afamasaga – Junior Manu Samoa
Daniel Nanai – Samoa
Essendon Tuitupou (c) – Tonga/Samoa
Graeme Otukolo – Tonga
Harold Rounds – Fiji
James Singh – Samoa
John Samuelu – Samoa
Kanavale Helu – Tonga
Malachai Auimatangi – Samoa
Malaesaili Elato – Junior Manu Samoa
Manatu Leleifi – Junior ‘Ikale Tahi
Moses Ravula Asrmstrong – Fiji/Samoa/Tonga
Panaua Niulevaea – Junior Manu Samoa
Peter Mafi – Junior ‘Ikale Tahi
Poasi Tonga – Junior ‘Ikale Tahi
Senio Faalupega – Junior Manu Samoa
Siaosi Vaioleti – Junior ‘Ikale Tahi
Siolo Fruean – Samoa
Sione Matakaiongo – Junior ‘Ikale Tahi
Spencer Ioelu – Samoa
Star Sami – Samoa
Tagiilima Justice Ripine – Junior Manu Samoa
Trent Ririnui – Cook Island Māori/NZ Māori
Tyler Pulini – Junior ‘Ikale Tahi
Wally Tau Vesi – Junior Manu Samoa
MOANA PASIFIKA U20S TEAM MANAGEMENT
Head Coach – Doug Sanft
Assistant Coach – Shalom Senara
Assistant Coach – Matt Johnson
Pathways Manager – Kevin Senio
Team Manager – Lennox Sam
Resource Coach – Alando Soakai
Julian Hafoka – Physio
Keegan Hall – Analyst
SCHEDULE
| MATCH DAY 1: SATURDAY 16TH MARCH | ||
| ROUND | TIME | GAME |
| Quarter Final 1 | 11:05 | NZ Barbarians v Chiefs |
| Quarter Final 2 | 13:05 | Blues v Moana Pasifika |
| Quarter Final 3 | 15:05 | Hurricanes v Fijian Drua |
| Quarter Final 4 | 17:05 | Highlanders v Crusaders |
| MATCH DAY 2: TUESDAY 19TH MARCH | ||
| ROUND | TIME | GAME |
| 5 | 11:05 | 2nd Highest Rank QF Loser v 3rd Highest Rank QF Loser |
| 6 | 13:05 | Highest Rank QF Loser v 4th Highest Rank QF Loser |
| 7 Semi Final 1 | 15:05 | 2nd Highest Rank QF Winner v 3rd Highest Rank QF Winner |
| 8 Semi Final 2 | 17:05 | Highest Rank QF Winner v 4th Highest Rank QF Winner |
| MATCH DAY 3: SATURDAY 23RD MARCH | ||
| ROUND | TIME | GAME |
| 9 (7th/8th Playoff) | 11:05 | Loser Match 5 v Loser Match 6 |
| 10 (5th/6th Playoff) | 13:05 | Winner Match 5 v Winner Match 6 |
| 11 (3rd/4th Playoff) | 15:05 | Loser Match 7 v Loser Match 8 |
| 12 Final (1st/2nd Playoff) | 17:05 | Winner Match 7 v Winner Match 8 |
