SATURDAY, ROUND 11, MAY 4th, 2024 TEUFAIVA STADIUM,NUKU’ALOFA, TONGA
Historic Match in Tonga
12 players of Tongan heritage will feature in the match for Moana Pasifika as Super Rugby heads to the island for the first time in its history.
Squad Line-ups
Moana Pasifika
Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sione Mafileo, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Lotu Inisi, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Lealiifano, Fine Inisi, Julian Savea, Henry Taefu, Viliami Fine, William Havili
Reserves: Sama Malolo, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Solomone Funaki, Ereatara Enari, Danny Toala, Neria Fomai
Highlanders
Daniel Lienert-Brown, Henry Bell, Saula Ma’u, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon (c), Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Connor Garden-Bachop, Jake Te Hiwi, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens
Reserves: Jack Taylor, Ayden Johnstone, Jermaine Ainsley, Will Tucker, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Sam Gilbert, Martin Bogodo
Match Officials
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
Key Changes and Returns
Jonathan Taumateine and Christian Lealiifano make up a new-look halves partnership.
Lotu Inisi moves into the starting lineup at number eight for Moana Pasifika.
Cameron Miller starts at flyhalf for the Highlanders after Rhys Patchell’s pec injury.
Daniel Lienert-Brown comes into the front-row for the Highlanders, with Ethan de Groot rested.
Sam Gilbert returns via the bench for the Highlanders after missing last week due to injury.
Prediction
Super Rugby in Tonga, say no more! Moana Pasifika will make history on Saturday when they take their first home game to Tonga with 12 players of Tongan heritage set to feature in their side. Overrun by the Drua in Fiji last week, they still remain in the top 8 hunt, but will need to get some wins on the board quickly with the Highlanders rip for the picking and sitting just one point ahead of them on the table. Former Wallaby Christian Lealiifano will take the reins while William Havili shifts to fullback in what could be an explosive clash.
With the heat in Tonga I am going with the Pasifika side. The weather will be in the high 20’s, and humidity high around 90%. The Highlanders have been ordinary lately and the conditions will be too much for them. But you never know about this Otago side what they are capable of.
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