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Just one change for Moana Pasifika as Waratahs challenge looms
By Online Editors
Moana Pasifika return to Mount Smart stadium at 4:30pm on Saturday 7 May to play the NSW Waratahs in round 12 of DHL Super Rugby Pacific.
The match is significant for captain Sekope Kepu as he will play against the team he previously served for 141 games. Similarly, this game could see Christian Leali’ifano etched into Super Rugby folklore as he is just nine points away from reaching 1,000 Super Rugby points.
There are just three changes to the Moana Pasifika that narrowly went down to the Melbourne Rebels by 26 points to 22.
The tight five remains the same with try-scorer Abraham Pole at loosehead prop, Ray Niuia at hooker and Kepu on the tighthead side of the scrum.
Samuel Slade and Veikoso Poloniati combine at lock and complete the engine room.
A cheek fracture to Alamanda Motuga sees Solomone Funaki elevated to the starting lineup. He is complemented by Michael Curry and Henry Time-Stowers in the loose forwards.
There are no changes to the backline from Saturday night’s game at AAMI Park in Melbourne.
Ereatara Enari and Christian Leali’ifano have proven to be a formidable combination and retain the 9 and 10 jerseys respectively for another week.
Henry Taefu and Levi Aumua will pair in the midfield with MVP Timoci Tavatavanawai on the left wing and Tima Fainga’anuku on the right wing. Danny Toala rounds out the starting XV.
Alex McRobbie and Jack Lam come on to the bench after recovering from a concussion and knee injury, respectively.
Moana Pasifika: Danny Toala, Tima Fainga'anuku, Levi Aumua, Henry Taefu, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Christian Lealiifano, Ereatara Enari, Henry Time-Stowers, Solomone Funaki, Michael Curry, Samuel Slade, Veikoso Poloniati, Sekope Kepu, Ray Niuia, Abraham Pole. Reserves: Luteru Tolai, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Joe Apikotoa, Alex McRobbie, Jack Lam, Jonathan Taumateine, Lincoln McClutchie, Solomone Kata.
- Moana Pasifika
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Latest Comments
The way Ratima has been treated he needs to look OS. Same with Perofeta and Love, Hothem too. Razor is a token coach. Gives debuts but very few mins. Also DM too. Just go earn millions elsewhere DM as all you get in NZ is bagging.
BB is coaches favourite and I say let him have BB right thru to the next 2 or maybe even 3 World cups.😁😁 Have JB outside him at 12...That just works so well.
Go to commentsIt certainly needs to be cherished. Despite Nick (and you) highlighting their usefulness for teams like Australia (and obviously those in France they find form with) I (mention it general in those articles) say that I fear the game is just not setup in Aus and NZ to appreciate nor maximise their strengths. The French game should continue to be the destination of the biggest and most gifted athletes but it might improve elsewhere too.
I just have an idea it needs a whole team focus to make work. I also have an idea what the opposite applies with players in general. I feel like French backs and halves can be very small and quick, were as here everyone is made to fit in a model physique. Louis was some 10 and 20 kg smaller that his opposition and we just do not have that time of player in our game anymore. I'm dying out for a fast wing to appear on the All Blacks radar.
But I, and my thoughts on body size in particular, could be part of the same indoctrination that goes on with player physiques by the establishment in my parts (country).
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