1
Highlanders and Moana Pasifika name teams for pre-season fixture
By Ned Lester
The very first game of 2024's Super Rugby Pacific pre-season kicks off in Queenstown on Friday (6pm NZT) with a match between the Highlanders and Moana Pasifika.
Two of the bottom four finishers in the 2023 season, both sides will be out to prove a point in 2024 while recovering from some significant losses in personnel.
All Blacks Aaron Smith and Shannon Frizell have departed the Highlanders while Levi Aumua and Timoci Tavatavanawai are the big absentees for Moana this year. The latter of those players will feature off the bench against his former club on Friday, having joined the Highlanders this offseason.
While the Highlanders have named a starting unit and 14 reserves for the contest, the visiting Moana side have named an XV for each of the game's quarters.
New Moana Pasifika recruit and former world champion with the All Blacks Julian Savea is set to feature in the second and third quarters of the game. Having made a name for himself on the left wing, Savea has expanded his skillset to include the midfield in recent years and will take the field at second five-eighth on Friday.
Highlanders team to face Moana Pasifika
1. Rohan Wingham
2. Henry Bell
3. Saula Ma’u
4. Pari Pari Parkinson
5. Max Hicks
6. Oliver Haig
7. Sean Withy (c)
8. Blair Ryall
9. Folau Fakatava
10. Rhys Patchell
11. Josh Whaanga
12. Matt Whaanga
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Jonah Lowe
15. Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Reserves: Solomone Tukuafu, Jack Taylor, Jermaine Ainsley, Hugo Plummer, Billy Harmon, Hayden Michaels, Will Stodart, James Arscott, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Sam Gilbert, Tevita Latu, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Martín Bogado
Moana Pasifika team to face Highlanders
First 20-minute block
- James Lay (c)
- Sama Malolo
- Sekope Kepu
- Tom Savage
- Ofa Tauatevalu
- Irie Papuni
- Alamanda Motuga
- Iakopo Mapu
- Aisea Halo
- William Havili
- Tuna Tuitama
- Henry Taefu
- Pepesana Patafilo
- Viliame Fine
- Danny Toala
Second 20-minute block
- Abraham Pole
- Sama Malolo / Samiuela Moli
- Sekope Kepu (c) / Sione Mafileo
- Tom Savage
- Ofa Tauatevalu
- Irie Papuni
- Alamanda Motuga
- Iakopo Mapu
- Aisea Halo / Siaosi Nginingini
- William Havili / D’Angelo Leuila
- Tuna Tuitama
- Henry Taefu / Julian Savea (c)
- Pepesana Patafilo
- Kyren Taumoefolau
- Danny Toala
Third 20-minute block
- Abraham Pole / Sateki Latu
- Samiuela Moli
- Sione Mafileo
- Samuel Slade
- Allan Craig
- Miracle Faiilagi
- Sione Havili-Talitui (c)
- Semisi Paea
- Siaosi Nginingini
- D’Angelo Leuila
- Anzelo Tuitavuki
- Julian Savea
- Neria Fomai
- Nigel Ah Wong
- Kyren Taumoefolau
Fourth 20-minute block
- Sateki Latu
- Tomasi Maka
- Suetena Asouma
- Samuel Slade
- Allan Craig
- Miracle Faiilagi
- Sione Havili-Talitui (c)
- Semisi Paea
- Ereatara Enari
- Christian Lealiifano
- Anzelo Tuitavuki
- Neria Fomai
- Nigel Ah Wong
- Viliame Fine
- Kyren Taumoefolau
Trending on RugbyPass
2
Initial Immanuel Feyi-Waboso injury update does not sound promising
3
Ex-Wallaby explains why All Blacks aren’t at ‘panic stations’
4
Leinster player ratings vs Connacht | 2024/25 URC
5
Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
Go to comments