Leali’ifano to Captain Moana Pasifika against Hurricanes

· ALLBLACKS.COM · GETTY IMAGES
GettyImages 1387596159 1
Moana Pasifika has named their team to play the Hurricanes this Tuesday night in what will be their second game in four days.

After suffering a 37-17 loss at the hands of the Highlanders on Friday, Moana Pasifika are hoping to bounce back and claim their second win of the season. In their last meeting, Moana Pasifika defeated the Hurricanes 24-19 in golden point extra time.

DHL Super Rugby Pacific stalwart Christian Leali’ifano will Captain Moana Pasifika in the absence of injured Sekope Kepu. Manu Samoa internationals Alamanda Motuga and Jonathan Taumateine will assist Leali’ifano as Vice-Captains.

A new front row consisting of Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli and Joe ‘Apikotoa will take the field on Tuesday night after Luteru Tolai and Sekope Kepu were ruled out with injuries.

Mahonri Ngakuru is elevated to the starting team and is joined by Samuel Slade in the locking position. Hard-working loose forwards Alex McRobbie and Henry Time-Stowers return to the match day squad and are joined by Alamanda Motuga, who starts his second consecutive game.

The same halves combination that defeated the Hurricanes in round 6, Jonathan Taumateine and Christian Leali’ifano, will look to emulate that performance. Leali’ifano is only 18 points away from reaching a milestone of 1,000 Super Rugby points.

After coming together for their opening try against the Highlanders, Danny Toala and Levi Aumua will combine in the midfield. Toala famously scored the try in golden point extra time which secured an historic win for Moana Pasifika.

Neria Foma’i returns to the left wing in place of Timoci Tavatavanawai while Tima Fainga’anuku retains his starting position on the right wing. Lolagi Visinia gets his first start in the Moana Pasifika jersey against his former team.

 


Head Coach Aaron Mauger has named a strong bench with Ray Niuia, Ezekiel Lindenmuth and Taukiha’amea Koloamatangi providing ample cover in the front row. Michael Curry and Penitoa Finau provide forward cover with Manu Paea, Lincoln McClutchie and Henry Taefu looking to make an impact to the backline from the bench.

Moana Pasifika team to play Hurricanes at Sky Stadium on Tuesday 12 April at 7.05pm NZT. Get your tickets HERE. 

1.    Abraham Pole
2.    Samiuela Moli
3.    Joe ‘Apikotoa
4.    Mahonri Ngakuru
5.    Samuel Slade
6.    Alex McRobbie
7.    Alamanda Motuga (VC)
8.    Henry Time-Stowers
9.    Jonathan Taumateine (VC)
10.    Christian Leali’ifano (C)
11.    Neria Foma’i
12.    Danny Toala
13.    Levi Aumua
14.    Tima Fainga’anuku
15.    Lolagi Visinia


16.    Ray Niuia
17.    Ezekiel Lindenmuth
18.    Taukiha’amea Koloamatangi
19.    Michael Curry
20.    Penitoa Finau
21.    Manu Paea
22.    Lincoln McClutchie
23.    Henry Taefu

LATEST NEWS

View all
MacDonald rates Hamilton win as his best with the Blues
One down and one to go for the Blues as they prepare to back up their 25-0 DHL Super Rugby Pacific win over the Chiefs with a New Zealand leg 'final' against the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.
Blues and Crusaders stamp their authority
New Zealand's Crusaders and Blues are shaping as leading hopes to top the Australian sides in DHL Super Rugby Pacific rugby at the end of eight rounds.
'Aunty Rana' honoured for contribution to Northland rugby
Last Friday a launch for the Northland senior women’s club season was held.

Robertson and Crusaders ready for clash in the capital
Knowing the ability of the Hurricanes to finish fast would have the Crusaders wary ahead of their DHL Super Rugby Pacific game in Wellington on Saturday.
Hurricanes know Crusaders are beatable
Knowing what is required to beat the Crusaders is one thing, but doing it is another, and that is the challenge the Hurricanes face at home in Saturday's DHL Super Rugby Pacific game.
Papalii to bring up 50th cap against Chiefs
Captain Dalton Papalii will earn his 50th cap for the Blues as he leads the team to take on neighbours the Chiefs in DHL Super Rugby Pacific in Hamilton on Saturday.
Highlanders take lessons from last weekend
A two-per cent lift is a factor the Highlanders are chasing in their quest for a first win in DHL Super Rugby Pacific with Moana Pasifika the challenge on Friday in Dunedin.
Gatland in for injured Ioane
Injury to Josh Ioane has provided first five-eighths Bryn Gatland with another starting opportunity as the Chiefs prepare to play the Blues in Saturday's DHL Super Rugby Pacific game in Hamilton.
Chiefs named for Blues clash in Hamilton
The Gallagher Chiefs have named their side to run out in front of a home crowd to face the Blues in a much-anticipated rivalry match. The Saturday fixture will kick off at 7.05pm at FMG Stadium Waikato.
Matera and Ennor return to Crusaders starting line-up
Following their narrow victory over the Highlanders last week, the Crusaders are preparing to travel to Wellington on Friday, ahead of their Round 8 clash with the Hurricanes at Sky Stadium.

Highlanders named for inaugural match against Moana Pasifika
It may have taken two attempts to play the game, but finally, Moana Pasifika will play the Highlanders this Friday night under the roof of Forsyth Barr Stadium. COVID-19 may have disrupted the earlier match up but with both teams desperate for a win, the scene is set for an exciting encounter.
Toala and Aumua return to Moana Pasifika midfield
Moana Pasifika has named their team to play the Highlanders in the inaugural DHL Super Rugby Pacific match between the sides.

TJ Perenara and Julian Savea close in on try-scoring record
Hurricanes duo TJ Perenara and Julian Savea are locked in a two-horse race to become the leading try-scorer in Super Rugby history in 2022.
Christie goes from strength to strength at the Blues
All Blacks and Blues halfback Finlay Christie knows an opportunity when he sees it and is reaping the benefit from returning to his home region to play DHL Super Rugby Pacific in Auckland.
Rugby World Cup 2021 Trophy Tour locked in
Today marks the start of the Rugby World Cup 2021 Trophy Tour which kicks off in Auckland, New Zealand – the home of the iconic Eden Park where the opening match day will be staged on 8th October, 2022.
World Cup Windback: 2006 Black Ferns
As we countdown to the 2021 Rugby World Cup, played in 2022, on New Zealand shores, we take a look back at the 2006 starting XV that won the World Cup in Edmonton, Canada.

Playoff hopes on the line for the Highlanders
Playoff hopes are still alive in DHL Super Rugby Pacific for the Highlanders but depend on finding winning form in their next two outings against Moana Pasifika in Dunedin on Friday and the Hurricanes a week later.
Black Ferns bolstered by Wayne Smith appointment
One of the country’s most successful coaches, Wayne Smith, has signed on as Technical Coach with the Black Ferns through to Rugby World Cup 2021, played in 2022.
Two red cards a concern for Blues coach
Three wins from three in a tough week of DHL Super Rugby Pacific brought mixed reactions for the Blues after their 46-16 win over Moana Pasifika at Eden Park on Saturday.
Crusaders pleased but not satisfied
Crusaders coach Scott Robertson acknowledged his side dodged a bullet in their 17-14 DHL Super Rugby Pacific win over a luckless Highlanders side in Christchurch on Friday.