Dynamic Manu Samoa midfielder, Faletoi Peni earns his first start at home when Moana Pasifika host the Hurricanes at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday night.
The 26-year-old went from almost quitting rugby to winning four consecutive championships in club rugby. He made his test debut for Samoa in their 48-10 victory over Brazil last year, as part of their 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Peni came off the bench last Saturday and made a difference with his instinctive play and creativity. He’ll partner with the experienced Solomon Alaimalo in the midfield.
Reliable and influential hooker, Millennium Sanerivi gets another start following an impressive two-try performance against the Blues last week, which earned him the Moana Pasifika Man Of The Match.
Meanwhile Veikoso Poloniati rejoins the starting lineup at lock. The open-play line-out, which led to a try against the Blues last week was Poloniati’s idea.
Experienced prop Lolani Faleiva returns to the matchday 23, along with thrilling prospect Sam Tuitupou Ah-Hing who both debuted against the Hurricanes in Round 2.
Saturday 9th 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. Veikoso Poloniati
6. Miracle Faiilagi (c)
7. Semisi Paea
8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
9. Augustine Pulu
10. William Havili
11. Tuna Tuitama
12. Faletoi Peni
13. Solomon Alaimalo
14. Israel Leota
15. Glen Vaihu
Impact
16. Mamoru Harada
17. Abraham Pole
18. Lolani Faleiva
19. Jimmy Tupou
20. Sam Tuitupou Ah-Hing
21. Siaosi Nginingini
22. Jackson Garden-Bachop
23. Tevita Latu
Unavailable due to injury: Jonathan Taumateine (calf), Julian Savea (shoulder), Lalomilo Lalomilo (calf), Melani Matavao (knee), Monu Moli (foot), Ngani Laumape (knee), Niko Jones (calf), Patrick Pellegrini (concussion), Tevita Ofa (finger), Tito Tuipulotu (thumb), Tupou Afungia (neck).
ENDS
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