The Savea brothers will get a chance to share the pitch for the first time in a Moana Pasifika jersey, when the team face the Fijian Drua on Saturday at North Harbour Stadium.
Captain Ardie Savea returns to the matchday 23 this week, starting at openside flanker, with older brother Julian coming off the bench.
William Havili also returns to the starting fullback position.
Tito Tuipulotu is back at loosehead prop, with Millennium Sanerivi and Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou joining him in the front row.
Samuel Slade rejoins the starting 15 while in the backline, Danny Toala and Lalomilo Lalomilo pair up in the midfield. Tevita Ofa will also start on the right wing.
Talented young hooker Tomasi Maka has been named to play his first game of the year off the bench. Alongside him in the impact team are Chris Apoua and Allan Craig.
Head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga said: “We’re expecting a fast and physical game on Saturday. The Drua are coming off a good win and will be confident, so we have to be decisive and have some urgency in the way we play from the outset.
“We’re also set to have our biggest crowd so the fans will be loud and passionate, and we’re hoping to put up a great performance for them.”
The battle of the Pacific clash between Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua is always an entertaining spectacle. Three out of five of their previous contests have been decided by three points or less.
Unavailable due to injury: James Lay (neck), Lotu Inisi (knee), Michael Curry (neck), Neria Fomai (knee/season), Sama Malolo (shoulder), Samiuela Moli (rib), Sione Mafile’o (neck), Solomon Alaimalo (foot).
ENDS
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