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Two potential debutants named for Ardie Savea's Moana Pasifika home debut
By Ned Lester
Moana Pasifika host the Highlanders in their first home game of the 2025 season this weekend and look set to welcome two new faces to the Moana family in doing so.
The electric Tevita Ofa and Tongan international Patrick Pellegrini have been named in the 23 and 22 jersey respectively for the game, earning head coach Tana Umaga's trust early in the season.
“I was pretty shocked to be honest,” Pellegrini said. “It’s always been a dream to play in Super Rugby and I’m very excited and grateful for the opportunity. Going from Australia to England, then getting the opportunity to come back closer to home. For a team like Moana closer to my roots and family, it means a lot.”
With family ties across the globe, including family in Auckland who will be present for the debut, Pellegrini was anticipating some emotions being part of Friday's festivities: “There will probably be a few tears, they’re going to be very excited.”
Pellegrini credited new teammate Jackson Garden-Bachop for helping him reach the point he is now, ready for his debut.
He says Jackson Garden-Bachop has been influential in his development. “He’s very experienced so I’m learning a lot from him. I’m grateful for how he’s helped me get to the position I’m in now to make my debut.”
Elsewhere in the team, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa and Ardie Savea switch jerseys to return the All Black to the position he won World Rugby men's Player of the Year in 2024.
Moana Pasifika team to play Highlanders
- James Lay
- Millenium Sanerevi
- Sione Mafileo
- Tom Savage
- Allan Craig
- Miracle Faiilagi
- Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa
- Ardie Savea
- Jonathan Taumateine
- Jackson Garden-Bachop
- Kyren Taumoefolau
- Danny Toala
- Pepesana Patafilo
- Solomon Alaimalo
- William Havili
Reserves
16. Sama Malolo
17. Tito Tuipulotu
18. Chris Apoua
19. Samuel Slade
20. Ola Tauelangi
21. Melani Matavao
22. Patrick Pellegrini
23. Tevita Ofa
Unavailable due to injury: Alamanda Motuga (shoulder), Fine Inisi (quad), Julian Savea (knee), Lalomilo Lalomilo (concussion), Lotu Inisi (hamstring), Neria Fomai (knee /out for season), Ofa Tauatevalu (lower leg), Semisi Paea (ankle laceration), Sione Havili Talitui (ankle).
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Latest Comments
Steve Hansen stepped down as ABs coach aged 60, Graham Henry did so at 65, Robbie Deans quit the Wallabies job at 54, and Wayne Smith left the ABs aged 60.
Most of them have had lesser jobs since then, but its only Graham Henry who could really be said to have coached at the top level “well into his 60s”. He’s a bit of an outlier, and that was 14 years ago. Its very possible that that will change, but I’m not seeing much evidence of that!
One factor that might be important is that NBA and the NFL are 1 league sports. Rugby league is pretty much a 2 league sport, and those 2 leagues are so far apart there can’t be much trading between them. Rugby union and especially association football have many more leagues, and so there are more opportunities for younger managers to break through.
Also, the fact that Rugby tends to have less chopping and changing of coaches is an argument against hiring older coaches. Hire a good coach in his 40s and he could stay in the job for 20 years, but realistically how long would Les Kiss be the best coach in Australia for?
Go to commentsI’d probably agree this is a tour too early but Lions do have a rich history of capping bolters and Pollock isnt as far behind as many say. I think you under-estimate his jackle work as he has a great turnover rate at club level and even at England A, he even got one against Wales
Fact is the nature of the game is changing and fast lighter backrows becoming more and more common as ball in play times go up and teams look to play wider. He is faces a challenge to make the initial squad but he is definately part of the conversation
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