Fresh faces, fresh fight: Moana ring changes as Drua look to hit back

Round two of Super Rugby Pacific brings an early test of nerve for the competition’s Pacific teams.

Moana Pasifika are in Wellington to face the Hurricanes while the Fijian Drua arrived in Sydney earlier this week to take on the Warratahs.

Both games will be played tonight (Friday). After mixed starts, both sides know it is too soon to panic but not too soon to make a point.

Moana head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has swung the axe, making seven changes, and it is not just rotation, it is intent. Umaga has spoken about the need to do things differently after last season’s lessons.

The Auckland-based club struggled in their 2025 opener in Perth where the heat and travel took a toll. This time, he wants a squad ready for the long road ahead.

In a statement, Umaga said "I'm a big believer that if you keep doing the same thing and expect something different, that's the definition of insanity, so this year we had a plan in place and we were going to give our group an opportunity."

Among the new faces is young outside back and Brisbane Broncos convert Israel Leota, cousins Konrad, and Simon Peter Fatialofa, forward Alefosio Aho, and Kelston Boys alumni Faletoi Peni. It is a clear signal that depth matters and that places are up for grabs.

For Moana, this is about building belief and proving they can compete week after week against New Zealand’s heavyweights.

Standing in their way are the Hurricanes, who are opening their home campaign for the first time since 2021. With All Blacks midfielder Jordie Barrett leading them, the hosts will expect to control the tempo.

Moana’s challenge is simple: match the physical edge and stay in the fight for 80 minutes.

Players of the Fijian Drua at a training session. Photo/Facebook

Across the Tasman, the Drua are also looking to respond after a tough start. Coach Glen Jackson has kept his core starting lineup but shifted key positions.

Co-captain Frank Lomani moves to halfback with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula at flyhalf. In the forwards, Joseva Tamani starts at blindslide flanker and 22-year-old Motikai Murray lines up on the openside.

One of the big talking points is the likely debut of young hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua from the bench. A product of the Drua development system, Tagivetaua’s selection underlines the path the club is building for local talent.

The Waratahs will pose a different kind of threat in Sydney: direct, structured, and keen to dominate at home.

Israel Leota. Photo/Facebook

For the Drua, discipline and game management will be key, especially away from home where they are usually at their strongest.

For Pacific fans, round two feels important. Moana and the Drua are not just chasing points; they are carrying the hopes of communities across Sāmoa, Fiji, and the wider region.

Strong performances on the road would send a message that Pacific rugby is about flair and resilience.

It is early in the season. But early wins can shape belief. Friday night offers both teams a chance to show who they really are.

On Saturday the Highlanders will host the Chiefs, followed by the Western Force against the Blues in Perth.

The Crusaders will round out the weekend against the Brumbies in Christchurch on Sunday. For more information on fixtures and results click here.

Fijian Drua supporters at a game held at Allianz Stadium. Photo/Facebook

Moana Pasifika vs Hurricanes

Location: Sky Stadium, Wellington

Kick-off: Friday, 7.05pm (NZT)

Teams: Moana Pasifika: Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli (c), Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Veikoso Poloniati, Alefosio Aho, Semisi Paea, Konrad Toleafoa, Dominic Ropeti, Siaosi Nginingini, Patrick Pellegrini, Tuna Tuitama, Faletoi Peni, Glen Vaihu, Israel Leota, Simon Peter Toleafoa Bench: Mamoru Harada, Tito Tuipulotu, Lolani Faleiva, Allan Craig, Miracle Fai’ilagi, Melani Matavao, William Havili, Tevita Ofa

Hurricanes: Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Siale Lauaki, Hugo Plummer, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Peter Lakai, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Brett Cameron, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (c), Bailyn Sullivan, Josh Moorby, Callum Harkin Bench: Jacob Devery, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Matolu Petaia, Brad Shields, Arese Poliko, Cam Roigard, Billy Proctor

Fijian Drua vs Warratahs

Location: Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Kick-off: Friday, 9.35pm (NZT)

Teams: Fijian Drua: Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua (cc), Joseva Tamani, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani (cc), Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Taniela Rakuro, Isikeli Rabitu, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Ponipate Loganimasi, Ilaisa Droasese Bench: Kavaia Tagivetaua, Peni Ravai, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Kitione Salawa, Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, Inia Tabuavou, Manase Mataele

Warratahs: Nick Hill, Tyler Mayberry, Edwin Langi, Aron Brennan, Ed Baxter, Isaac Fonua, Marshall le Maitre(c), Toby Brial, Angus Grover, Jonty Fowler, Brody Folkes, Zach Fittler, Cooper Watters, Rory O’Connor, Louis Fenwicke Bench: Dylan Simmons, Harper Strachan, Lewis Wilson, Cooper Green, Justice Taumoepeau, Sam Blank, Harrison Dene, Jay McKenzie, James Archer