Round 8 APRIL 12th, 2024 SEMENOFF STADIUM,WHANGERAI, NZ
History and Action Await Reds vs. Moana Pasifika Encounter
Les Kiss, the Reds coach, is excited to embrace the less-traveled path as they head to Whangarei for Queensland’s Round 8 Super Rugby Pacific encounter.
The sixth-placed Reds will face off against eighth-placed Moana Pasifika on Friday in the heart of New Zealand’s Northland region, just a three-hour drive north of Auckland. Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei, which hosted two Wallaroos wins during the 2022 Rugby World Cup, has already seen Super Rugby action this year with the Blues-Drua clash in Round 1.
Moana Pasifika has faced difficulties since their Round 4 victory in Perth, suffering defeats in their last three games against the Brumbies, Blues, and Chiefs, with an average losing margin of 44 points.
Rookie Northlander Allan Craig will run out on his home turf for the first time in Super Rugby Pacific when Moana Pasifika host the Reds in the round eight opener.
Craig, hailing from Ahipara, spent his formative years in the Northland city, where he led the Whangārei Boys High School’s 1st XV during his teenage years.
Team Lineups
Moana
Danny Toala, Villiami Fine, Henry Taefu, Julian Savea, Fine Inisi, William Havili, Ereatara Enari, Sione Havili Talitui, Jacob Norris, Irie Papuni, Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Sione Mafileo, Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole.
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Miracle Faiilagi, Melani Matavao, Christina Lealiifano, Nigel Ah Wong
Following a week-long break, the Reds are back on the field, determined to reignite their season after suffering two consecutive losses. Despite a narrow defeat against the Brumbies, coach Les Kiss has opted for a change at No.10, with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips stepping into the playmaker position while Tom Lynagh sits out of the squad. Additionally, Suliasi Vunivalu has been summoned to bolster the team.
Reds
Jock Campbell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Josh Flook, Hunter Paisami, Jordan Petaia, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Matt Faessler, Peni Ravai.
Replacements: Josh Nasser, Alex Hodgman, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy
Referee. Angus Mabey, Assistant Referees. Marcus Playle, Nick Hogan
PREDICTION
Moana will have the opportunity to break into the top 8 for the first time, but they’ll need to deliver a vastly improved performance compared to last week. My bet’s on the Reds.
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