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Tonga international in line for debut when Moana Pasifika play Brumbies
By Finn Morton
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
- Abraham Pole
- Samiuela Moli
- Sione Mafileo
- Ola Tauelangi
- Allan Craig
- Jacob Norris
- Sione Havili Talitui (c)
- Lotu Inisi
- Ereatara Enari
- Christian Lealiifano
- Kyren Taumoefolau
- D’Angelo Leuila
- Pepesana Patafilo
- Nigel Ah Wong
- Danny Toala
Reserves
- Tomasi Maka
- Sateki Latu
- Sekope Kepu
- Michael Curry
- Semisi Paea*
- Melani Matavao
- Williams Havili
- Fine Inisi
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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