Moana eye 3-in-a-row as key players return for Blues showdown

Moana Pasifika's rising star, Miracle Faiilagi, will return for their "Battle of the Bridge" clash against the Auckland Blues on Saturday afternoon at Eden Park.

The team is riding high after achieving back-to-back historic victories - against the NSW Waratahs (45-28) in Auckland last week and the Canterbury Crusaders (45-29) in Christchurch a week earlier.

Moana is currently eighth in the standings, ahead of the Highlanders, Blues, and Fijian Drua.

Faiilagi will start at blindside flanker after recovering from a hamstring injury, forming a potent loose forward trio alongside Ardie Savea and Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa.

Experienced playmaker Jackson Garden-Bachop has moved into the starting flyhalf role, pairing up with Manu Samoa international Melani Matavao, who earns his first start of the year at halfback.

Pepesana Patafilo, starting at left wing, will also be a welcome return, following his impressive performance against the Crusaders in round seven.

Moana are also excited to welcome back their Moana Man of 2024, Sione Havili Talitui, and influential leader James Lay, who will come off the bench.

'Ikale Tahi halfback Aisea Halo is also expected to bring impact off the bench.

In a statement, head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga says, "Our focus, like any other week, will be executing our game plan and putting up a performance that our team and fans can be proud of.

Sione Havili Talitui, left, and James Lay return to the starting lineup against the Blues this weekend. Photo/Moana Pasifika

"We welcome back some key players this week and are glad to have their expertise in the mix," the All Blacks legend says.

"We've had a good couple of weeks, but we want to stay consistent and keep building on that. We know the Blues will be up for the challenge, and we're looking forward to it.”

This week's surprise selection is at flyhalf, where Umaga has benched his star playmaker Patrick Pellegrini in favour of Garden-Bachop.

Pellegrini has been in excellent form since making his debut in round three.

Moana Pasifika head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga has benched his star playmaker Patrick Pellegrini, right, in favour of Jackson Garden-Bachop, left. Photo/photopress

But one look at the bench reveals that this may be part of a broader strategy for Moana's big game against the Blues at Eden Park.

Given Moana's powerful second-half performances, the return of experienced Havili Talitui and Lay suggests that Pellegrini's calm presence and goal-kicking skills might be preserved for a tight finish.

Seven players have been ruled out of Saturday's game due to injury: Jonathan Taumateine (ankle), Lotu Inisi (hamstring), Michael Curry (shoulder), Neria Fomai (knee/out for season), Sione Mafile'o (neck), Solomon Alaimalo (foot), and Tito Tuipulotu (knee).

Blues brace for Moana melee

The defending champions enter Saturday's match with two wins and five losses, both victories against the Wellington Hurricanes.

The Blues narrowly defeated the men from the capital, winning 19-18 in Auckland last weekend.

Blues coach Vern Cotter has made two changes to his starting lineup against Moana Pasifika, both in the front row.

After initially being named on the bench last week but unable to play, hooker Ricky Riccitelli will start, while Angus Ta’avao will take over at tighthead prop for Marcel Renata, who is sidelined with a calf injury.

Blues strongman Angus Ta’avao will take over at tighthead prop for Marcel Renata against Moana Pasifika on Saturday. Photo/Auckland Blues

Kurt Eklund returns to the bench with Riccitelli in the starting lineup, while PJ Sheck joins Mason Tupaea as prop cover. Lock Cam Christie joins the bench, along with halfback Taufa Funaki and utility back Harry Plummer.

“Moana is a big game for us, and we will work hard and prepare the same way as we do every week,” Cotter says.

“Last week’s win was a real team effort. We made improvements in some key areas and are expecting an even better performance this weekend. We know we can still improve a lot, and that’s exciting.”

Moana Pasifika-Auckland Blues game will be played on Saturday at Eden Park from 4.35pm local time. Get tickets here.

Teams

Moana Pasifika (1-15): Abraham Pole, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Samuel Slade, Allan Craig, Miracle Faiilagi, Ardie Savea (captain), Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Pepesana Patafilo, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Kyren Taumoefolau, William Havili.

Bench: Sama Malolo, James Lay, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Sione Havili Talitui, Aisea Halo, Patrick Pellegrini, Fine Inisi.

Blues (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Angus Ta’avao, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Beehre, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Rieko Ioane, Mark Tele’a, Corey Evans.

Bench: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, PJ Sheck, Cam Christie, Adrian Choat, Taufa Funaki, Harry Plummer, Stephen Perofeta.