MOUNT SMART ,STADIUM,NZ
Moana Pasifika (1-15):
Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Suetena Asomua, Samuel Slade, Mike McKee, Solomone Funaki, Alamanda Motuga, Lotu Inisi, Ereatara Enari, Christian Leali’ifano, Anzelo Tuitavuki, Henry Taefu, Levi Aumua, Tima Fainaga’anuku, William Havili..
Replacements: Ray Niula, Ezekiel Lindnemuth, Chris Apoua, Potu Leavasa, Miracle Faiilagi, Manu Paea, D’Angeolo Leuila, Fine Inisi.
Hurricanes (1-15):
Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Owen Franks, Dominic Bird, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Ardie Savea (c), Cameron Roigard, Brett Cameron, Salesi Rayasi, Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan, Kini Naholo, Josh Moorby.
Replacements: Hame Faiva, Tevita Mafileo, Pasilio Tosi, TK Howden, Braydon Iose, Jamie Booth, Riley Hohepa, Julian Savea.
The Hurricanes will be missing rested All Blacks Jordie Barrett, Dane Coles and Tyrel Lomax. Also rested are James Blackwell and Du’Plessis Kirifi, while winger Kini Naholo replaces Julian Savea in the starting XV.
Naholo scored two tries in the win over the Tahs last week. .
Billy Proctor starts at No.12 and Bailyn Sullivan gets his first start at No.13.
The return of Owen Franks offsets the loss of Lomax, while another former All Black, Dom Bird, makes his first start for the Hurricanes at lock after debuting off the bench against the Waratahs. Young gun Peter Lakai replaces Kirifi at openside flanker.
Referee: Reuben Keane
Assistant Referees: Jono Bredin, Fraser Hannon
The Auckland crowd will have to choose whether to watch the union or, the Warriors who play the next day at Mt Smart Stadium. I think the Pasifika supporters will be at both and make some noise also. The Pasifika team must watch their discipline and not give the Hurricanes easy points. They can win this if they are accurate and patient. They won last year and this is an opportunity not to be missed.
PREDICTION,
From a betting point of view I would be backing the Hurricanes here to win by a dozen points, but look around for a points start for the Pasifika team. Maybe 16 point start .
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