2024 FRIDAY MARCH 8th FMG STADIUM HAMILTON NZ
NOTE.. This game has been moved from North Harbour Stadium to Hamilton due to the turf conditions at North Harbour.
Introduction
It begins in Hamilton with Moana Pasifika facing the Melbourne Rebels after their match was moved from Auckland, before the NSW Waratahs host the Highlanders in Sydney.
Super Saturday Line-up
It is a Super Saturday with the action kicking off early with the Fijian Drua returning home to take on the Crusaders.
The ACT Brumbies face old half Nic White and the Force in Canberra, the Blues and Hurricanes add to their rivalry in Wellington, whilst the Reds and Chiefs close out the round.
Team Changes
Coach Tana Umaga has made three changes to his starting line up from Pasifika’s first win over the Fijian Drua. – 39-36 in Melbourne.
Player Adjustments
Speedsters Pepesana Patafilo and Anzelo Tuitavuki each gets starts on the right and left wings, while up front Samiuela Moli earns the No 2 jersey.
Bench Updates
On the bench Manu Samoa halfback Melani Matavao and promising young hooker Tomasi Maka both have a chance to make their Super Rugby and Moana Pasifika debuts.
Winger Nigel Ah Wong was not named in the side after his red card for a dangerous tackle against the Drua. A judicial hearing ruled the offence did not breach the red card threshold and he escaped any suspension.
Team Line-ups
Moana Pasifika
Danny Toala, Pepesana Patafilo, Henry Taefu, Julian Savea, Anzelo Tuitavuki, William Havili, Eretara Enari, Lotu Inisi, Sione Havili Talitui, Jacob Norris, Allan Craig, Tom Savage, Sione Mafileo, Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole.
Replacements. Tomasi Maka, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Taulangi, Irie Papuni, Melani Matavao, Christian Lealiifano, Kyren Taumaefolau.
Rebels
Jake Strachan, Lachie Anderson, Filipo Daugunu, David Feliuai, Andrew Kellaway, Carter Gordon, Ryan Louwrens; Rob Leota, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Josh Kemeny, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Josh Canham, Sam Talakai, Jordan Uelese, Matt Gibbon.
Replacements. Ethan Dobbins, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Tuaiana Taii Tualima, Daniel Maiava, James Tuttle Glen Vaihu, Lukas Ripley.
Referee. Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Referees. Angus Mabey, Marcus Playle
PREDICTION.
The wing battle will be an interesting one to watch when Rebels right wing Andrew Kellaway lines up against Moana Pasifika left wing Pepesana Patafilo. Kellaway was dynamite last week against the Force while Patafilo is a player that oozes class and will be looking to make a statement at his new club.
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