Moana Pasifika name team to clash with Crusaders

Moana Pasifika have named their side to face the Crusaders in their final regular season match of 2024 DHL Super Rugby Pacific. 

The match holds important playoff implications with this weekend’s results deciding who out of four teams clinch the eighth position.

One of only a few changes sees Sekope Kepu start at tighthead prop for what could be the last time in his career following the announcement of his retirement last week.

Henry Taefu returns to the starting centre spot, Pepesana Patafilo shifts to the left wing and Jonathan Taumateine reclaims his position at halfback. Aisea Halo will bring impact off the bench. 

Scouted from the annual World Rugby Pacific Combine, promising Samoan prop Ivan Fepuleai is set to make his debut off the bench. Suetena Asomua and Nigel Ah Wong join him in the game day 23.

Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga said: “We’re playing against the reigning champions and they’re desperate to make the top 8 as we are. They’ve got a lot more experience in these games than we have. We’ve got to grow and learn how to deal with those.”

“The best way to learn is to get ourselves into a pressure situation of being able to play for a quarterfinal spot.”

“We’ve got to throw everything at this game and the most important thing for us will be focusing on what we do,” said Umaga.

Unavailable due to injury: Danny Toala, Donald Brighouse, James Lay, Miracle Faiilagi, Neria Fomai, Ofa Tauatevalu, Salesi Tuifua, Sama Malolo, Samuel Slade, Sateki Latu, Sione Mafileo and Tevita Langi.