Moana Pasifika v Chiefs
Saturday, 7.05pm, AAMI Park, Melbourne
Samoan loose forward Miracle Faiilagi will make his first-class rugby debut at No 6 for Moana Pasifika amid a raft of changes by coach Aaron Mauger.
The 23-year-old will be joined in the back row by Solomone Funaki and Jonah Mau’u at openside flanker and No 8 respectively as Moana Pasifika look to bounce back from their narrow loss to Fijian Drua.
Prop Ezekiel Lindenmuth returns to the squad after being ruled out on match day with a neck injury which sees double try-scorer Abraham Pole named on the bench. The pack will be bolstered by locks Samuel Slade and Mahonri Ngakuru.
Out wide, gifted attacker Danny Toala moves to fullback which means a new look midfield combination of Levi Aumua and Fine Inisi. Anzelo Tuitavuki is elevated into the match-day 23 and will start on the left wing.
On a powerful bench, Manu Samoa internationals Ereatara Enari are Henry Taefu join Ray Niuia and Lotu Inisi who return from injury.
Moana Pasifika: Danny Toala, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Fine Inisi, Levi Aumua, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Christian Lealiifano (captain), Manu Paea, Jonah Mau’u, Solomone Funaki, Miracle Faiilagi, Mahonri Ngakuru, Samuel Slade, Chris Apoua, Samiuela Moli, Ezekiel Lindenmuth. Reserves: Ray Niuia, Abraham Pole, Suetena Asomua, Michael Curry, Lotu Inisi, Ereatara Enari, William Havili, Henry Taefu
.Chiefs: Shaun Stevenson, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Alex Nankivell, Rameka Poihipi, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Damian McKenzie, Brad Weber (co-c); Luke Jacobson, Sam Cane (co-c), Pita Gus Sowakula, Tupou Vaa’i, Brodie Retallick, George Dyer, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ollie Norris. Reserves: Tyrone Thompson, Jared Profit, John Ryan, Laghlan McWhannell, Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Bryn Gatland, Ngatungane Punivai.
The Chiefs have retained most of their starting team which beat the Crusaders in style last Friday in Christchurch
All Blacks midfielder Anton Lienert-Brown’s ankle injury means Rameka Poihipi starts at second-five eighth.
Etene Nanai-Seturo returns on the left wing, with Solomon Alaimalo dropping out.
Liam Coombes-Fabling, who was called up for his Chiefs debut last week after Nanai-Seturo was a late withdrawal because of a hamstring injury, retains his starting place on the right wing.
A bruised calf has sidelined one-test All Blacks prop Aidan Ross this week, promoting Ollie Norris to start at loosehead.
First five-eighth Bryn Gatland replaces Josh Ioane amongst several changes on their bench, with hooker Tyrone Thompson, prop Jared Proffit, lock Laghlan McWhannell, loose forward Simon Parker and outside back Ngatungane Punivai named in reserve.
Profit and Punivai are poised to make their Chiefs debuts.
In my opinion the Chiefs will be to strong for Pasifika. They have treats all over the paddock. While Pasifika will smash the Chief players any chance they get, that won’t be enough to win the game. Shaun Stevenson and Damian McKenzie are lethal from the back ,while up front there is talent everywhere. Experience all over the squad here.
Chiefs by 20 points
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