Niko Jones, son of All Blacks great Micheal, set for Super Rugby debut

April 14, 2022
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Ultimate Rugby

Moana Pasifika have named their team to play the Chiefs in Round 9 of Super Rugby Pacific.

Pasifika Head Coach Aaron Mauger has make several changes to his side for the match, one of which will see Niko Jones make his Super Rugby debut.

Niko is the son of former All Blacks Michael Jones who scored a try in New Zealand's 1987 Rugby World Cup final victory over France.

The 55 test cap back-rower also won 9 NPC titles, 5 Super 6 championships, two Super Rugby titles and defended the Ranfurly Shield a record 61 consecutive times.

A schoolboy sensation, Niko Jones has been described as a generational talent that has thoroughbred athleticism and sublime skills.

He led his St Peters 1st XV to a national title in 2018 and produced Jones' eye-catching performances in the Top Four competition resulted in his inclusion in the 2019 All Blacks Sevens squad but a foot injury thwarted his chances of a sevens debut. His exploits as a schoolboy saw Jones become one of New Zealand rugby's hottest young prospects with the Blues and Crusaders offering him a contract with Jones signing a two-year deal with his hometown Auckland provincial union.

Jones was set for a stint in the Major League Rugby competition this year before Moana Pasifika snapped up his services after he failed to secure a contract with one of the New Zealand Super Rugby teams.

Elsewhere for Moana, Samoa midfielder Henry Taefu will captain the team for the first time from second five-eighth with experienced halfback Ereatara Enari named as vice-captain.

Chris Apoua gets his first start in the Moana Pasifika jersey and is joined by Ray Niuia and Ezekiel Lindenmuth in the front row. Veikoso Poloniati and Mahonri Ngakuru complete the engine room.

Michael Curry earns a start at six after scoring a try off the bench in Moana Pasifika’s loss to the Hurricanes. Sione Tu’ipulotu completes the forward pack at number eight.

Hawke’s Bay Magpies playmakers Ereatara Enari and Lincoln McClutchie will combine for the first time since the opening game against the Crusaders. Henry Taefu and Solomone Kata combine in the midfield for a new combination in 12 and 13. Anzelo Tuitavuki and Timoci Tavatavanawai will play on the left and right wing respectively and William Havili returns to fullback.

There is plenty of firepower to come from the bench try scorers Alex McRobbie, Fine Inisi and Tomasi Alosio ready to provide impact.

Moana Pasifika Team to play Chiefs
Saturday 16 April

1. Ezekiel Lindenmuth
2. Ray Niuia
3. Chris Apoua
4. Veikoso Poloniati
5. Mahonri Ngakuru
6. Michael Curry
7. Niko Jones (Debut)
8. Sione Tu’ipulotu
9. Ereatara Enari (VC)
10. Lincoln McClutchie
11. Anzelo Tuitavuki
12. Henry Taefu (C)
13. Solomone Kata
14. Timoci Tavatavanawai
15. William Havili
16. Samiuela Moli
17. Taukiha’amea Koloamatangi
18. Suetena Asomua
19. Alex McRobbie
20. Josh Kaifa
21. Jonathan Taumateine
22. Fine Inisi
23. Tomasi Alosio