Julian Savea will play his first match of the 2026 season, when Moana Pasifika host the Crusaders at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday night.
It will mark Moana Pasifika’s first match at their fale this year.
The loose forwards department has been shuffled with Niko Jones earning his first start of the season at openside flanker.
Jones has persevered through injury and made his international debut for Manu Samoa last year against Scotland. The humble 25-year-old is a ferocious ball carrier who will be exciting to watch.
Also Joel Lam, a standout of last week’s match against the Blues will earn his first start for Moana Pasifika at halfback.
In 44 minutes of playing time last week, the 23-year-old didn’t miss a single tackle and orchestrated some impressive moments which saw Moana Pasifika’s attacking flair come alive.
The Manu Samoa playmaker has strong connections with the Crusaders, where he made his Super Rugby Pacific debut in 2023. Lam joined their academy out of St Andrew’s College, and worked part-time as a teacher aide at Te Maire St Francis of Assisi Catholic School.
Joining Lam in the backline includes Savea who will start at second five-eighths, with Tevita Latu shifting to right wing.
Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga said: “We’ve got to make sure that we don’t just talk about it, but we’re actually living what we talk about. We’re excited about being home and that’s a huge motivation for us.”
Chris Apoua, Jackson Garden-Bachop and Siaosi Nginingini rejoin the bench.
Starting XV
1. Tito Tuipulotu
2. Millennium Sanerivi
3. Atu Moli
4. Tom Savage
5. Allan Craig
6. Miracle Faiilagi (c)
7. Niko Jones
8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
9. Joel Lam
10. Patrick Pellegrini
11. Glen Vaihu
12. Julian Savea
13. Lalomilo Lalomilo
14. Tevita Latu
15. William Havili
Impact
16. Mamoru Harada
17. Abraham Pole
18. Chris Apoua
19. Veikoso Poloniati
20. Dominic Ropeti
21. Siaosi Nginingini
22. Jackson Garden-Bachop
23. Tevita Ofa
Unavailable Due To Injury: Lolani Faleiva (shoulder), Jimmy Tupou (calf), Tupou Afungia (neck), Jonathan Taumateine (knee), Melani Matavao (calf), Israel Leota (ankle).
ENDS
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