Moana Pasifika vs Crusaders: Super Rugby Pacific live scores

Round Three of Super Rugby Pacific kicks off with a very special match as the Moana Pasifika finally make their Super Rugby debut against the toughest of opposition, the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. After two rounds of postponed games the Moana Pasifika will be emotional as they begin their Super Rugby journey, but they will need to focus and perform right from the kick off to stand any sort of chance. Join The Roar for live scores from 5:05 pm (AEDT).

It’s been a frustrating start to the season for the Moana Pasifika team having had to miss the opening two rounds as a result of COVID complications. They are well aware of the challenge that awaits them with one of their most experienced players – halfback Ereatara Enari – explaining this week that the team are seeing this week’s game as an incredible opportunity.

“A lot of our boys are debuting Super Rugby in this game, probably over 50 percent of our team, so it’s a huge opportunity for us, firstly to debut in Super Rugby, but also against such a strong squad,” said Enari.

Amongst those who have played Super Rugby previously, there is both ability and wisdom. Club captain Sekope Kepu brings over 140 Super Rugby caps and 110 Wallabies appearances – that sort of experience is going to be invaluable for sure, but how will he go up against one of the most formidable packs in club rugby.

Another player to keep an eye on for Moana Pasifika is back rower Alamanda Motuga. The 27 year old has been in fine form at NPC level for Counties Manukau and impressed in his three tests for Samoa. Seeing him go up against the likes of Pablo Matera and Ethan Blackadder will be quite the show.

The Crusaders are unsurprisingly resting a lot of their first choice players but there are still some impressive names in the line up including the aforementioned Blackadder and Matera who will start together in the back row.

The second half should be exciting when Cody Taylor and Richie Mo’unga are likely to come off the bench and get their first game minutes of the season. You assume that they will be walking into a healthy lead and the Moana Pasifika’s stamina and resolve will be severely tested when a fresh Taylor and Mo’unga take the field.

Moana Pasifika can call upon their own super subs with Australian rugby legend Christian Leali’ifano available and while he’s not the long term future of the club, he will play a key role in bring a steady, guiding hand to the back line. Of course if his side are 45 points down by the time he comes on, there will be little guiding to be done.

Game Information

Venue: Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Kick-off: 5:05pm (AEDT), Friday 4th March 2022
Live stream: Stan Sport
Betting: Moana Pasifika $33, Crusaders $1.01 – odds via PlayUp
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referee: Ben O’Keeffe, Fraser Hannon

Teams
Moana Pasifika

1. Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 2. Luteru Tolai, 3. Sekope Kepu (c), 4. Mike McKee, 5. Samuel Slade, 6. Solomone Funaki, 7. Alamanda Motuga, 8. Henry Time-Stowers, 9. Ereatara Enari, 10. Lincoln McClutchie, 11. Neria Fomai, 12. Danny Toala, 13. Levi Aumua, 14. Tima Fainga’anuku, 15. William Havili

Reserves:

16. Samiuela Moli, 17. Taukiha’amea Koloamatangi, 18. Joe Apikotoa, 19. Alex McRobbie, 20. Jack Lam 21. Jonathan Taumateine, 22. Christian Leali’ifano, 23. Fine Inisi.

Crusaders

1. George Bower, 2. Brodie McAlister, 3. Oliver Jager, 4. Mitchell Dunshea, 5. Quinten Strange (c), 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Tom Christie, 8. Pablo Matera, 9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 10. Simon Hickey, 11. Kini Naholo, 12. Dallas McLeod, 13. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 14. George Bridge, 15. Chay Fihaki.

Reserves:

16. Cody Taylor, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Dominic Gardiner, 20. Corey Kellow, 21. Bryn Hall, 22. Richie Mo’unga, 23. Isaiah Punivai.