Moana Pasifika has named their team to play the Western Force this Saturday, 15 February, launching their 2025 DHL Super Rugby Pacific season in Perth, Australia.
New Captain Ardie Savea will lead his first match for the side, which boasts a good mixture of experience and fresh talent.
This includes 22-year-old Manawatū tight-head prop Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou who will make his DHL Super Rugby Pacific and Moana Pasifika debut.
Four other players in the starting lineup will make their Moana Pasifika debut, including exciting hooker Millennium Sanerivi, dynamic playmaker Jackson Garden-Bachop, Samoa Olympic Sevens star Lalomilo Lalomilo, and former NRL Tigers winger Solomon Alaimalo.
Sanerivi making his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs in the 2024 Grand Final, and will now play in his second game for a new team.
"It's a huge honour to be able to wear the jersey for the first time and start as well so I can't wait," Sanerivi said.
"I'm grateful that I got an opportunity to come here and learn off these great coaches in a new environment."
The 25-year-old was born and raised in Mangere South Auckland and was Captain of the Kings College 1st XV.
Tito Tuipulotu and Semisi Tupou Tailoa also have a chance to play their maiden Super Rugby matches off the bench.
Kick off: 9:35pm NZT, Saturday 15 February, at HBF Park, Perth, Australia.
Moana Pasifika Team
- James Lay
- Millennium Sanerivi (debutant)
- Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou (debutant)
- Samuel Slade
- Allan Craig
- Miracle Faiilagi
- Sione Havili Talitui
- Ardie Savea (c) (debutant)
- Jonathan Taumateine
- Jackson Garden-Bachop (debutant)
- Kyren Taumoefolau
- Lalomilo Lalomilo (debutant)
- Pepesana Patafilo
- Solomon Alaimalo (debutant)
- William Havili
Impact
- Sama Malolo
- Tito Tuipulotu (debutant)
- Chris Apoua
- Tom Savage
- Ola Tauelangi
- Semisi Tupou Tailoa (debutant)
- Melani Matavao
- Danny Toala
Unavailable due to injury: Lotu Inisi, Neria Fomai and Pone Fa'amausili.
