Moana Pasifika back cohesion in battle of the Pacific

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

1. Abraham Pole
2. Samiuela Moli
3. Sione Mafileo
4. Tom Savage
5. Allan Craig
6. Irie Papuni
7. Jacob Norris
8. Sione Havili Talitui (c)
9. Ereatara Enari
10. William Havili
11. Fine Inisi
12. Julian Savea
13. Henry Taefu
14. Viliami Fine
15. 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