Fresh off a devastating round one last-minute loss to the Western Force, Moana Pasifika have backed the same team to get a better result in Brisbane when they face the Reds in round two.
Captain Ardie Savea will lead a side with just one change in the form of Losi Filipo in the 23 jersey, helping the side build chemistry early in the season.
The team’s scrum coach Pauliasi Manu explained the selection calls.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge against the Reds. We’ve got things we’ll look to work on particularly our ruck and set piece,” Manu said.
“When Tito Tuipulotu and Chris Apoua came on last week, I believe they were dominant. I saw it in their face, they were so keen.
“It’s both a mental and physical game. If you’re not mentally wanting to pack down a scrum I believe you can’t physically do it.
“When we lost last week the boys were shattered. For us coaches when we see players like that, it shows us that it means a lot.
“We’ve done the hard work and training, and we’ve ticked the right boxes so we just need to go out there and do it.”
Moana Pasifika team to face Reds
James LayMillennium SaneriviFeleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ouSamuel SladeAllan CraigMiracle FaiilagiSione Havili TalituiArdie Savea (capt)Jonathan TaumateineJackson Garden-BachopKyren TaumoefolauLalomilo LalomiloPepesana PatafiloSolomon AlaimaloWilliam Havili
Reserves
16. Sama Malolo17. Tito Tuipulotu18. Chris Apoua19. Tom Savage20. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa21. Melani Matavao22. Danny Toala23. Losi Filipo.
Injury status
Fine Inisi (hamstring)Lotu Inisi (hamstring)Neria Fomai (knee/out for season)
