Moana Pasifika
24
80
Hurricanes
19
Round Six of Super Rugby Pacific kicks off with Moana Pasifika taking on the Hurricanes at Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland as they search for their first victory of the season. Join The Roar for live scores from 5:05pm (AEDT).
Hurricanes coach Jason Holland has confirmed that returning club hero, scrum half TJ Perenara, will start as the Canes take on the Moana Pasifika on Friday afternoon.
While the club has other high profile All Blacks such as Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett in the match day 23, it’s the presence of Perenara that will have all of the club buzzing.
He hasn’t played for the Canes for 596 days and the club have really missed his experience, talent and ability to get his side on the front foot.
As well as bring back some older talent, Holland has also selected four players to make their debuts on Friday. Ex Highlanders’ second five-eighth Teihorangi Walden starts along with Josh Moorby on the wing and youngster Aidan Morgan joins Perenara in the halves. Tom Parsons meanwhile is on the bench.
Morgan will need to play well as the Moana Pasifika side will have identified him as a potential weak link to target.
Coach Aaron Mauger has made four changes to his side as the club look to play three games in eight days as they look to play catch up on their delayed matches from earlier in the season.
Hooker Samiuela Moli will start after two good games as a sub and will be joined by debutant Veikoso Poloniati who plays in the second row.
Prediction
This might be a Canes side that lacks the same punch as a few seasons ago but they are still a good side and will see off the newbies to Super Rugby with ease.
Canes by 12.
Game Information
Venue: Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Kick-off: 5:05pm (AEDT), Friday 24th March 2022
Live stream: Stan Sport
Betting: Moana Pasifika $67.00, Hurricanes $1.03 – odds via PlayUp
Referee: Brendon Pickerill
Assistant Referee: Paul Williams, Jono Bredin
Moana Pasifika
1. Ezekiel Lindenmuth, 2. Samiuela Moli, 3. Sekope Kepu (c), 4. Veikoso Poloniati, 5. Sam Slade, 6. Sione Tu’ipulotu, 7. Solomone Funaki, 8. Henry Time-Stowers, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Christian Leali’ifano, 11. Neria Foma’i, 12. Henry Taefu, 13. Levi Aumua, 14. Tima Fainga’anuku, 15. William Havili.
Reserves: 16. Ray Niula, 17. Taukiha’amea Kolomatagi, 18. Joe Apikotoa, 19. Alex McRobbie, 20. Josh Kaifa, 21. Ereatara Enari, 22. Lincoln McClutchie, 23. Danny Toala.
Hurricanes
1. Xavier Numia, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Caleb Delaney, 5. Scott Scrafton, 6. Reed Prinsep (c), 7. Blake Gibson, 8. Brayden Iose, 9. TJ Perenara, 10. Aidan Morgan, 11. Wes Goosen, 12. Teihorangi Walden, 13. Peter Umaga-Jensen, 14. Josh Moorby, 15. Jordie Barrett.
Reserves: 16. James O’Reilly, 17. Alex Fidow, 18. Tevita Mafielo, 19. Tom Parsons, 20. Ardie Savea, 21. Cameron Roigard, 22. Ruben Love, 23. Salesi Rayasi.
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
Hope so SFTR, but it must be hard with all these changes to players and support staff.
Sinckler for the rules
Roar Rookie
Eddie jones has promoted a lot of culture in his time. Recently he has made multiple comments about diversifying the leadership group. Historically it's been white posh private school boys playing union. He has picked genge, sinckler, dombrandt to name but three. all working class backgrounds. If you listen to the players they are all united. Post Ireland loss George came out saying this was his proudest game in England shirt. Though a work in progress the players are united and well behind EJ.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Good things take time, they are bloody brilliant :laughing: what was the score? To be honest they have had it damn tough over the last couple years of seasons having to base themselves in OZ.
Panana split
Roar Rookie
First victory of the year. Thank god
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I understood unfortunately :silly: How did the Warriors go? Dare I ask!
Tim J
Roar Rookie
I agree as the Wallabies are building a genuine culture based on trust and believing in each other, and where the coaches are taking them! The French and Irish have done this also.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Oh now you have me salivating CB. :happy:
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
Y'know MK, culture and respecting it is a massive deal with rugby teams, e.g. the ABs, Boks etc. DR seems big on it with the WBs. I've been watching Eddie Jones with England. I've been wondering how he deals with culture. Somehow it doesn't seem so obvious that that aspect of team building is hugely prioritized.
Panana split
Roar Rookie
Sorry for the delay. Referring to the NRL side. The NZ warriors. A constant source of disappointment. They were playing the Tigers while this match was happening
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
Yes, Jamie found it tough early on. Then he struck oil by focusing on culture which Aaron has done with MP. Now for tomorrow all we need is for the Highlanders to take the Blues and the Crusaders to take the Chiefs. Then we party...
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Can't wait for Digger's match report. :crying:
WEST
Roar Guru
Well done!! :stoked:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
You are correct again :thumbup: remember Jamie Joseph struggled initially, it takes time from being an ex player to becoming a good/ great coach.
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
Haha, also happy for Aaron Mauger. He deserves some success after some tough time in coaching.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
KCR, it is worth watching without telling you anything. :stoked:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Thank you CB for keeping me grounded, somehow I think it will not feel like a Blues home game. :happy:
KCR
Roar Rookie
Oh man, I had to go out and missed the second half, will definitely be watching the replay. Well done Moana Pacifika on your historic result.
Colvin Brown
Roar Guru
Absolutely, we picked it MK. The Boys deserve to celebrate but not too much, they’re playing the Blues at Mt Smart on Tuesday. Now that will be an occasion :happy: :happy: :happy:
Tim J
Roar Rookie
CB, imagine them back home partying. Wish I was there to see their smiles and singing.
TJ-Go Force!
Roar Rookie
Mad respect to the boys in blue!