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Moana Pasifika back cohesion in battle of the Pacific
By Ned Lester
Moana Pasifika have trusted their winning formula for the battle of the Pacific in Fiji this week, naming an identical starting XV as the team that beat the Reds two weeks ago.
In addition to the established cohesion within the starting XV, Moana head coach Tana Umaga welcomes back Jonathan Taumateine and Neria Fomai for their first games of the season, set for their respective returns off the bench.
Moana won the last game between the two teams in one of the games of the season in Melbourne's Super Round. Now, the fixture has additional consequences as the team battle to maintain their place in the top eight.
“It’s a big game, the pride of the Pacific all coming together in Fiji and we know that they’ll be well supported. It’s a big task for us to go over there and get the result we’re looking for but it’s something that we’re excited about,” said Umaga.
“We haven’t finished yet. We want more. That’s the kind of attitude we want, we want to always improve ourselves. We want to get better both individually and as a team, but also as a club.”
Moana Pasifika team to play the Fijian Drua
- Abraham Pole
- Samiuela Moli
- Sione Mafileo
- Tom Savage
- Allan Craig
- Irie Papuni
- Jacob Norris
- Sione Havili Talitui (c)
- Ereatara Enari
- William Havili
- Fine Inisi
- Julian Savea
- Henry Taefu
- Viliami Fine
- Danny Toala
Reserves
16. Sama Malolo
17. Sateki Latu
18. Sekope Kepu
19. Ola Tauelangi
20. Lotu Inisi
21. Jonathan Taumateine
22. Christian Lealiifano
23. Neria Fomai
Unavailable due to injury: Anzelo Tuitavuki, James Lay, Kyren Taumoefolau, Ofa Tauatevalu, Samuel Slade
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Latest Comments
Stephen Jones is a proxy for the NH rugby bosses and his article is a softener to prepare us proles for a rule change.
Go to commentsWhat's improved to my eye's is this group has developed a bit of ticker and belief. They've grown tight as the overused cliché goes, and they stay in for the fight until the end. Earlier in the season they were just wilting after the break. And what's pleasing is the number of young guys contributing, particularly in the forwards. It's a good foundation to build on. Yes third is a fair enough appraisal on current form. Though I disagree this French team can't beat South Africa, if they turn up mentally, on their day they can beat anyone. It's consistency that will always plague the French.
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