High-flying winger Israel Leota earns his first start at home when Moana Pasifika face the Blues at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday night.
The 21-year-old former Brisbane Broncos prospect showed off his incredible athleticism with a magnificent viral leap which led to him scoring a try in Super Round last week.
Leota had only played 15 minutes of Super Rugby before that match against the Highlanders, but came out with all guns blazing, showing what he is capable of.
His fellow Australian teammate Glen Vaihu also earns another start, this time shifting to fullback. Vaihu also had an exceptional individual performance last week, scoring a try, carrying 117 metres and beating six defenders.
William Havili moves to first five and will look to continue his excellent leadership and playmaking, with the chance to face his flatmate and Blues halfback Finlay Christie.
Havili said: “There’s a rivalry there but at the end of the day, when we go out on the field we’re trying to bash each other up and win, after that it’s all love between us.
“They’re a quality side, and they’re a real physical team so we have to be physical as well.”
The Moana Pasifika Man Of The Match for Round 11, Tuna Tuitama will also get another chance to show off his flamboyance and power at left wing.
Meanwhile, Veikoso Poloniati, Dominic Ropeti, Jackson Garden-Bachop and Tyler Pulini rejoin the matchday 23 to spark energy off the bench.
Saturday 2nd May
North Harbour Stadium, 7:05pm NZT
Tickets for the match can be purchased here.
Starting XV
1. Malakai Hala-Ngatai
2. Millennium Sanerivi
3. Atu Moli
4. Allan Craig
5. Jimmy Tupou
6. Miracle Faiilagi (c)
7. Semisi Paea
8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
9. Jonathan Taumateine
10. William Havili
11. Tuna Tuitama
12. Tevita Latu
13. Solomon Alaimalo
14. Israel Leota
15. Glen Vaihu
Impact
16. Mamoru Harada
17. Abraham Pole
18. Chris Apoua
19. Veikoso Poloniati
20. Dominic Ropeti
21. Augustine Pulu
22. Jackson Garden-Bachop
23. Tyler Pulini
Unavailable due to injury: Monu Moli (foot), Tito Tuipulotu (thumb), Paula Latu (head knock), Niko Jones (calf), Tupou Afungia (neck), Melani Matavao (knee), Patrick Pellegrini (head knock), Ngani Laumape (knee), Lalomilo Lalomilo (calf), Tevita Ofa (finger).
ENDS
See all news
