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Super Rugby Pacific

Ex-Whangarei Boys High School 1st XV captain set for Super homecoming

Allan Craig of Moana Pasifika is tackled during the round two Super Rugby Pacific match between Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua at AAMI Park, on March 02, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Former Whangarei Boys High School First XV captain Allan Craig will play his first Super Rugby Pacific match in the city on Friday evening when Moana Pasifika host the Queensland Reds.

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Craig, now 21, spent his teenage years in Northland, where he went on to captain the Whangarei Boys High First XV.

The youngster, who has also played for Northland in New Zealand’s National Provincial Competition (NPC), will play “in front of my home crowd” this week when Moana Pasifika host a fixture at Semenoff Stadium. Craig will run out in the No. 5 jersey.

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    “Being born and raised there, playing for the Tanis (Taniwha) was a huge goal growing up and getting to do that means lot,” Craig said in a statement.

    “Now getting to play a Super game there, it will be awesome to play in front of my home crowd.

    “It’s going to be an awesome place to play,” assistant coach Stephen Jones added. “I’ve never been there and I’ve heard great things about the group and the place.

    “I know for Allan Craig it’s extra special and will be a proud moment for him and his family.”

    Moana Pasifika have made three changes to their team this week with Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli and Sione Mafileo named to start in the front row.

    Head-to-Head

    Last 4 Meetings

    Wins
    1
    Draws
    0
    Wins
    3
    Average Points scored
    26
    36
    First try wins
    75%
    Home team wins
    75%

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    Joining Craig in the second row is Tom Savage, while Irie Papuni, Jacob Norris and captain Sione Havili Talitui complete the starting forwards for the round eight clash.

    In the backline, Ereatara Enari and William Havili will start in the halves, while Danny Toala will wear the No. 15 jersey.

    Former All Black Julian Savea will line up at inside centre once again, with Henry Taefu will join the legendary try scorer in the midfield. Fine Inisi and Viliami Fine are the two wingers.

    Moana Pasifika side to take on Queensland Reds

    1. Abraham Pole
    2. Samiuela Moli
    3. Sione Mafileo
    4. Tom Savage
    5. Allan Craig
    6. Irie Papuni
    7. Jacob Norris
    8. Sione Havili Talitui (c)
    9. Ereatara Enari
    10. William Havili
    11. Fine Inisi
    12. Julian Savea
    13. Henry Taefu
    14. Viliami Fine
    15. Danny Toala

    Replacements:

    1. Sama Malolo
    2. Sateki Latu
    3. Sekope Kepu
    4. Ola Tauelangi
    5. Miracle Failagi
    6. Melani Matavao
    7. Christian Lealiifano
    8. Nigel Ah Wong

    Unavailable due to injury/illness: Alamanda Motuga, Anzelo Tuitavuki, James Lay, Jonatan Taumateine, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Lotu Inisi, Neria Fomai, Ofa Tauatevalu, Pepesana Patafilo, Samuel Slade, Solomone Funaki

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    Comments on RugbyPass

    C
    Cantab 4 days ago
    Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

    Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

    4 Go to comments
    J
    James 4 days ago
    'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

    And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

    37 Go to comments
    d
    dw 4 days ago
    'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

    Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

    37 Go to comments
    d
    dw 4 days ago
    'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

    True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

    37 Go to comments
    d
    dw 4 days ago
    'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

    Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

    I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.


    Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

    37 Go to comments
    R
    RedWarriors 4 days ago
    'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

    I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

    Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

    Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

    Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

    91 Go to comments
    J
    JM 4 days ago
    'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

    Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

    Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

    I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

    Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

    I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

    37 Go to comments
    R
    RedWarriors 4 days ago
    'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

    He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

    Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

    4 Go to comments
    O
    OJohn 4 days ago
    Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

    Hooray

    0 Go to comments
    C
    Carlos 4 days ago
    'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

    He was also a YC magnet.

    37 Go to comments
    C
    Carlos 4 days ago
    'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

    Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

    37 Go to comments
    S
    Solenn Bonnet 4 days ago
    Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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    0 Go to comments
    M
    Mzilikazi 4 days ago
    'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

    Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

    37 Go to comments
    M
    Mzilikazi 4 days ago
    'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

    Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

    37 Go to comments
    M
    Mzilikazi 4 days ago
    'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

    Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.


    Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

    37 Go to comments
    B
    BC 4 days ago
    Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

    I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

    1 Go to comments
    O
    Otagoman II 4 days ago
    'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

    Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

    37 Go to comments
    N
    NB 4 days ago
    'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

    👍

    37 Go to comments
    N
    NB 4 days ago
    'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

    Always the same at the other place. Some of those perceptions of him at the Tahs - lazy, overweight and slow - were impossible to shift!

    37 Go to comments
    N
    NB 4 days ago
    'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

    Hang on to Miz Carlos!

    37 Go to comments
    LONG READ
    LONG READ 'If any Welsh side makes the URC knockout games, it will be worth applauding’ 'If any Welsh side makes the URC knockout games, it will be worth applauding’
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