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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
Let’s blame a Chief instead ! 😀
Cane didn’t start in Yokohama but 5 Crusader forwards did and got their tails kicked by the John Mitchell coached England forwards. Well done Hansen!
Go to commentsI don’t really share Johnson’s opinion. Nothing better than Tupaea and Lienert-Brown in NZ? It’s a good duo, and he wouldn’t look out of place, but I think we can do better. Tavatavanawai seems superior to Tupaea at 12. He’s a brute force, who makes few mistakes (which can still be criticized in Tupaea), formidable both with and without the ball in close contact. I can see him playing with Proctor. On paper, this combination would be very, very interesting, in the same philosophy as the iconic Nonu/C Smith duo.
Anyway, I remain convinced that in Razor’s mind, Jordie Barrett is indispensable at center, and he could quickly team up with Leicester Fainga’anuku. I’m betting on that in the near future.
However, a Tavatanawai/Proctor duo would be very interesting. Ennor also seems to be a good option instead of Proctor, who still hasn’t played this season. But Ennor has only played one match... he needs to be seen again and get some game time. There is a lot of talent in New Zealand in these two positions. The hardest part will be cutting players who could make a difference for many teams. The choices are going to be tough. If I had to make a bold bet, and unlike Johnson, I don’t see Tupaea being selected, and I imagine ALB could be in a tight spot against Proctor and Ennor if they are fit.
I imagine Jordie, Havili, Rieko, and Fainga'anuku with Tavatavanawai. Ennor or Proctor if Fainga'anuku is not selected in July. And ALB if Jordie is rested
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