Moana Pasifika is gearing up for their inaugural pre-season match of 2025 against the Highlanders, scheduled for Friday, January 31st, at North Harbour Stadium. The game will feature a modified format consisting of three 30-minute periods, allowing both teams to experiment with player combinations and strategies.
Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has announced a squad that blends seasoned players with fresh talent, reflecting the team’s recent recruitment of 14 new signings, including several elevated to full-time contracts.
Umaga emphasized the significance of this match in the team’s preparation:
“We’ve welcomed new players with valuable experience, as well as some fresh young talent who are getting their first taste of Super Rugby. We want to give everyone a chance to play and test new combinations.”
“We want to be competitive this year, so this is an opportunity for us to see where our players are at and how we can improve before the season begins.”
Squad Breakdown:
First 30-Minute Period:
- Forwards:
- Tito Tuipulotu
- Sama Malolo
- Feleti Sae-ta’ufo’ou
- Ofa Tauatevalu
- Samuel Slade
- Miracle Faiilagi
- Sione Havili Talitui
- Semisi Tupou Tailoa
- Backs:
- Jonathan Taumateine
- Jackson Garden-Bachop
- Tuna Tuitama
- Lalomilo Lalomilo
- Tevita Ofa
- Kyren Taumoefolau
- William Havili
Second 30-Minute Period:
- Forwards:
- Fatongia Paea
- Millenium Senerivi
- Chris Apoua
- Tom Savage
- Allan Craig
- Ola Tauelangi
- Sione Havili Talitui
- Semisi Tupou Tailoa
- Backs:
- Aisea Halo
- William Havili
- Tuna Tuitama
- Julian Savea
- Tevita Ofa
- Theo Steffany
- Kyren Taumoefolau
Third 30-Minute Period:
- Forwards:
- James Lay
- Tomasi Maka
- Sione Mafileo
- Michael Curry
- Connor Seve
- Irie Papuni
- Niko Jones
- Lotu Inisi
- Backs:
- Melani Matavao / Siaosi Nginingini
- Patrick Pellegrini
- Losi Filipo
- Afa Moleli
- Fine Inisi
- Theo Steffany
- Solomon Alaimalo
This pre-season fixture offers Moana Pasifika a valuable opportunity to assess player performances and build team cohesion ahead of the competitive season. The two teams are set to meet again in Round 3 of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific on February 28th at North Harbour Stadium.
Read more: https://moanapasifika.co.nz/moana-pasifika-name-team-to-face-highlanders-in-pre-season-match/
