Moana Pasifika shuffle halves for rumble with Reds

Moana Pasifika have named their side to play the Queensland Reds at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium in Round 14 of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

Abraham Pole starts at loosehead prop after picking up his fourth try of the season against the Fijian Drua to become the team’s top try-scorer. Ray Niuia will start at hooker and Sekope Kepu will play tighthead prop in his 149th Super Rugby match.

Samuel Slade returns to the team after missing last weekend’s game and combines with Michael Curry at lock. An unchanged loose forward trio of Sione Tuipulotu, Solomone Funaki and Henry Time-Stowers complete the forward pack.

A different 9 and 10 combination to last week of Jonathan Taumateine and Christian Lealiifano will take the field, with Ereatara Enari and Lincoln McClutchie moving to the bench to provide impact.

Danny Toala and Solomone Kata will work together in the midfield and have both been in great form. Tomasi Alosio comes into the match-day 23 and will start on the right wing, with Timoci Tavatavanawai retaining his spot on the left wing. William Havili completes the starting team at fullback.

Luteru Tolai comes on to the bench this week and joins Ezekiel Lindenmuth and Joe Apikotoa in the front row replacements. Alex McRobbie and Jack Lam provide lock and loose forward cover, and Henry Taefu provides utility cover for the backs.

The fixture between the Reds and Moana Pasifika will kick off at 7:45pm AEST (9:45pm NZT) on Saturday evening.

Moana Pasifika: William Havili, Tomasi Alosio, Solomone Kata, Danny Toala, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Christian Lealiifano, Jonathan Taumateine, Henry Time-Stowers, Solomone Funaki, Sione Tuipulotu, Samuel Slade, Michael Curry, Sekope Kepu, Ray Niuia, Abraham Pole. Reserves: Luteru Tolai, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Joe Apikotoa, Alex McRobbie, Jack Lam, Ereatara Enari, Lincoln McClutchie, Henry Taefu.

- Moana Pasifika