Workhorse Tom Savage will wear the skippers arm band when Moana Pasifika host the Chiefs at Navigation Homes Stadium on Friday night.
Savage has been instrumental for the team, filling in as captain for Ardie Savea who recovers from a short-term hamstring injury.
Rising Manu Samoa star Tuna Tuitama also has a chance to debut off the bench. He was part of Moana Pasifika’s wider training squad in 2024 and shined on the world sevens stage.
“I’m so excited and humbled to have this opportunity,” Tuitama said. “I can’t wait to get out there and play with the boys.”
This is one of a number of changes head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has made to his side.
Other changes in the forwards sees Abraham Pole earn a start at prop, Miracle Faiilagi moves to 7, while Ola Tauelangi gets a start at blindside flanker.
In the backline Losi Filipo earns his first start on the wing. Meanwhile Lalomilo Lalomilo moves to inside centre while Pepesana Patafilo rejoins him in the starting lineup at 13.
A group of 250 students and staff from Pukekohe’s Wesley College will be attending Friday’s game.
Umaga says it will be special to return to the area, with his ties to Counties Manukau as a former player and coach there.
“A few of our players and staff are Wesley old boys so it means a lot to them,” Umaga said. “My connections out south, being with Counties for a long time, I know how much that school means to that area.
“Taking a game back out to our communities in South Auckland are a big part of who we are. We also want to build on our last performance and our previous performances before that. We know what worked for us, what hasn’t and we’ve just got to keep putting these consistent performances together.”
A strong group that includes Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Michael Curry, Semisi Paea and Melani Matavao will enforce energy off the bench.
Unavailable due to injury: Ardie Savea (hamstring), James Lay (elbow), Julian Savea (knee), Lotu Inisi (hamstring), Sione Havili Talitui (ankle), Neria Fomai (knee/out for season), Danny Toala (knee), Solomon Alaimalo (shoulder).
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