Familiar faces to clash in Moana Pasifika’s opener against Highlanders

There are a range of familiar faces to Pacific rugby fans on both sides of the park, as Moana Pasifika and the Highlanders meet for round one of Super Rugby Pacific on Saturday.

Moana have named ten debutants in Dunedin that include a mix of quality international and NPC experience.

Twenty-six year-old Viliami Fine will return to Forsyth Barr Stadium, where he spent time playing for Otago and Southland.

He says it’s been a goal of his to play for Moana since their 2021 establishment, and returning to where it started is “extra special”.

“It’s pretty exciting, I look back at what it took to get here. If you asked me three years ago where I’d be, I wouldn’t have said I’d be playing Super Rugby.

“I took the long route but I made it a goal when I left home in 2021, it’s a good feeling knowing that it paid off.”

Fine gets the call up in place of former Moana winger Timoci Tavatavanawai, who will be playing as his opposing winger for his first game at the Highlanders.

Fine says it will be good to go up against the Fijian, and other former teammates in the Highlanders.

“It will be good to go up against Timoci Tavatavanawai. He’s probably one of the best attacking wingers in the comp so it will be a good test for myself.

“I know a few boys in the HIghlanders so it’s special playing against a few of my teammates, and doing it at the same stadium.

“I’m grateful that they gave me a chance to show what I can do and what I’ve worked for. Now they’ve given me an opportunity, I’m just going to make the most of it.”

Among debutants in Moana’s backline is Julian Savea who moves into second five-eighth, forming the midfield pairing with Pepesana Patafilo who starts at center.

Moana Pasifika backs skills coach Damian Karauna says Savea’s experience has been crucial in strengthening the midfield pairing.

“It’s a new role for Jules, a different role, he’s on the ball a lot more. He’s trained really well and he’s got a lot of experience and knowledge.

“His relationship with Pepesana will be crucial for us.”