MAY 25th 2024 Team Line-Ups and Prediction
MOANA PASIFIKA vs WARATAHS GO MEDIA STADIUM AUCKLAND NZ
PASIFIKA (1-15)
Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sione Mafileo, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Lotu Inisi, Aisea Halo, William Havili, Neria Fomai, Julian Savea, Pepesana Patafilo, Fine Inisi, Danny Toala
RESERVES: Tomasi Maka, Tevita Langi, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Alamanda Motuga, Siaosi Nginingini, Christian Lealiifano, Henry Taefu
Aisea Halo starts at scrum half for Jonathan Taumateine.
Gordon hooker Tomasi Maka comes onto the bench to face his home state.
Siaosi Nginingini and Henry Taefu join Maka on the bench .
WARATAHS (1-15)
Harry Lloyd, Jay Fonokalafi, Brad Amituanai, Jed Holloway, Hugh Sinclair, Ned Hanigan, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon (c), Tane Edmed, Dylan Pietsch, Lalakai Foketi, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase
RESERVES: Ben Sugars, Lewis Ponini, Michael Scott, Miles Amatosero, Fergus Lee-Warner, Jack Grant, Jack Bowen, Vuate Karawalevu
Tane Edmed, Langi Gleeson, Izaia Perese and Hugh Sinclair come into the starting side.
Harry Lloyd debuts for the club after joining on a short term deal.
Ned Hanigan returns from injury to replace Lachlan Swinton.
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, George Myers
TMO: Brett Cronan
Prediction
I will go with the much improved Moana Pasifika in a close finish, The Waratahs had to travel from a Perth defeat and will be tired. The Waratahs coach, Darren Coleman, got the, DON’T COME MONDAY ,for the end of season, and now joins Rob Penney who left for the Crusaders, both sacked by the Waratahs. This does not say a lot for the people who hire these coaches who were never up to the job. The Crusaders should be brave enough to terminate Penney’s position as well at the end of 2024 season.
BLUES v CRUSADERS APOLLO PROJECTS STADIUM CHRISTCHURCH
CRUSADERS (1-15)
Joe Moody, Codie Taylor (c), Fletcher Newell, Antonio Shalfoon, Quinten Strange, Cullen Grace, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Fergus Burke, Sevu Reece, David Havili, Levi Aumua, Chay Fihaki, Johnny McNicholl
RESERVES: George Bell, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Jamie Hannah, Tom Christie, Mitch Drummond, Taha Kemara, Dallas McLeod
Levi Aumua returns in the centres after overcoming a niggle.
Ethan Blackadder lines up in the back-row for the first time since Round 10.
Returning Tamaiti Williams comes onto the bench in the front-row reserves.
BLUES (1-15)
Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Kurt Eklund, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Akira Ioane, Adrian Choat, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, AJ Lam, Corey Evans, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Stephen Perofeta
RESERVES: Ricky Riccitelli, Joshua Fusitu’a, PJ Sheck, Josh Beehre, Cameron Suafoa, Sam Nock, Cole Forber, Caleb Tangitau
Stephen Perofeta and Mark Tele’a start in the back three.
Angus Ta’avao has been elevated into the starting side.
Patrick Tuipulotu returns to take the captaincy.
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referees: Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Chris Hart
Prediction
Blues for me, but be careful of a Crusaders side stuck near the bottom, They have been terrible all season and the coach should walk that long path to join Eddie Jones somewhere far away. Penney was never good enough to lead this proud club, and he must go. The board can not let him stay for 2025.
Comments