Umaga backs Patrick Pellegrini at 10 for Moana Pasifika’s high-stakes clash

Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga has made two changes to the starting side that got the better of the Highlanders two weeks ago, including the selection of Tonga international Patrick Pellegrini at fly-half ahead of a high-stakes clash with the Blues in Albany.

Pellegrini hasn’t worn the No. 10 jersey since the Brumbies beat Moana Pasifika in round 10. Tighthead prop Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou is also back in the First XV, selected ahead of Chris Apoua who will provide impact off the bench.

Tito Tupulotu will also get the chance to line up opposite his brother for the first time, that being All Black Patrick Tuipulotu, after being named at loosehead prop. Rounding out the front row is Millennium Sanerivi as the team’s starting hooker.

Samuela Moli, Sone Havili Talitui and Allan Craig are also back in the mix. This is an important match for both Moana and the Blues, who are hoping to secure a spot in the top six by the time the regular season comes to an end.

Moana are two points out of the six in seventh place, and they have three matches to save their season, including away trips to face the Chiefs in Hamilton and the Hurricanes in Wellington. This is Moana’s final home match in front of their fans at North Harbour Stadium.

“We know it’s going to be a battle with playoff implications, and both teams will want to come out strong from the start,” Umaga said in a statement.

“Our team is feeling refreshed and ready for the challenge, and it’s going to be special playing in front of our passionate fans at North Harbour Stadium once again.”

Beyond the front row, Tom Savage and Samuel Slade round out the tight five as the two locks. Miracle Faiilagi will combine with captain Ardie Savea and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa in what has become a well-known loose forwards trio this season.

In the backs, Pellegrini will combine with halfback Jonathan Taumateine in the halves. Danny Toala and Lalomilo Lalomilo are the midfield pairing, while Kyren Taumoefolau and Tevita Ofa will line up on a wing each.

William Havili will start at fullback, while former All Black Julian Savea will come of the bench. This match at North Harbour Stadium will get underway at 6:05 pm NZT on Saturday.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

20

36

First try wins

80%

Home team wins

80%

Moana Pasifika team to take on Blues

1. Tito Tuipulotu

2. Millennium Sanerivi

3. Feleti Sae – Ta’ufo’ou

4. Tom Savage

5. Samuel Slade

6. Miracle Faiilagi

7. Ardie Savea ©

8. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa

9. Jonathan Taumateine

10. Patrick Pellegrini

11. Kyren Taumoefolau

12. Danny Toala

13. Lalomilo Lalomilo

14. Tevita Ofa

15. William Havili

Replacements

16. Samiuela Moli

17. Abraham Pole

18. Chris Apoua

19. Allan Craig

20. Sione Havili Talitui

21. Melani Matavao

22. Jackson Garden-Bachop

23. Julian Savea