Tonga international in line for debut when Moana Pasifika play Brumbies

Tonga international Semisi Paea is in line to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench when Moana Pasifika take on traditional Australian rugby powerhouse the ACT Brumbies in Canberra on Friday night.

Paea, who has represented the ‘Ikale Tahi at Test level, is set to make his mark in the Pacific competition after previously enjoying a stint in Major League Rugby with the New England Free Jacks.

“Semisi has worked hard and earned his spot,” scrum coach Pauliasi Manu said in a statement. “He had a good pre-season and really presented himself.

“He’s got the physicality and is really strong over the ball.”

Moana Pasifika have made five changes to their starting side that beat the Western Force at Perth’s HBF Park in round four.

The most notable absence is the omission of Julian Savea through injury, while Sama Malolo Sekope Kepu, Tom Savage, Henry Taefu also make way in the First XV.

Playmaker Christian Lealiifano will start for Moana Pasifika for the second week in a row. The former Wallaby returns to Canberra where he’ll face the side he played 12 seasons for.

Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli and Sione Mafileo start in the front row, while Ola Tauelangi and Allan Craig round out the tight five. Jacob Norris, captain Sione Havili Talitui and Lotu Inisi round out the rest of the forwards.

Ereatara Enari joins Lealiifano in the halves, while D’Angelo Leuila and Pepesana Patafilo will link up in the midfield.

There’s plenty to like about the outside backs with Kyren Taumoefolau and Nigel Ah Wong set to take their places on a wing each, with Danny Toala out the back in the No. 15 jersey.

Moana Pasifika side to take on ACT Brumbies

1. Abraham Pole
2. Samiuela Moli
3. Sione Mafileo
4. Ola Tauelangi
5. Allan Craig
6. Jacob Norris
7. Sione Havili Talitui (c)
8. Lotu Inisi
9. Ereatara Enari
10. Christian Lealiifano
11. Kyren Taumoefolau
12. D’Angelo Leuila
13. Pepesana Patafilo
14. Nigel Ah Wong
15. Danny Toala

Reserves

16. Tomasi Maka
17. Sateki Latu
18. Sekope Kepu
19. Michael Curry
20. Semisi Paea*
21. Melani Matavao
22. Williams Havili
23. Fine Inisi