Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea returns to the No. 8 jersey against the Highlanders on Friday (5.05pm AEDT), swapping places with Southland loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa.
There is a change at No.12 with Lalomilo Lalomilo ruled out after suffering a concussion in the tackle that resulted in Hunter Paisami’s suspension.
Flyhalf Patrick Pellegrini and outside back Tevita Ofa are set for debuts off the bench.
Moana Pasifika are without injured Inisi brothers, Lotu and Fine, with Sione Havili Talitui (ankle) and Julian Savea (knee) also unavailable.
Timoci Tavatavanawai will captain the Highlanders against his former side, with co-captain Hugh Renton ruled out.
Nikora Broughton replaces Renton at No. 8 jersey while there is a starting debut for prop Josh Bartlett. All Black Ethan de Groot will come off the bench after knee knock in the win over the Blues.
PASIFIKA (1-15): James Lay, Millennium Sanerivi, Sione Mafile’o, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Miracle Faillagi, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Ardie Savea (c), Jonathan Taumateine, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Kyren Taumoefolau, Danny Toala, Pepesana Patafilo, Solomon Alaimalo, William Havili
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Chris Apoua, Samuel Slade, Ola Tauelangi, Melani Matavao, Patrick Pellegrini, Tevita Ofa
HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Josh Bartlett, Soane Mikaele Vikena, Sefo Kautai, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson, Caleb Tangitau, Timoci Tavatavanawai (c), Tanielu Tele’a, Sam Gilbert, Finn Hurley
Replacements: Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot, Saula Ma’u, Will Stodart, TK Howden, Nathan Hastie, Cameron Millar, Jake Te Hiwi
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
TMO: Marcus Playle
Hide Preview
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source link
