Long-awaited debut: Pone Fa'amausili set to spark Moana Pasifika's push for the playoffs

Former Wallabies and Melbourne Rebels prop Pone Fa'amausili is set to make his much-anticipated debut for Moana Pasifika when they face the Highlanders on Sunday at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

At 28 years old, Fa'amausili has played seven matches for Australia, including his most recent at the Rugby World Cup in France.

Standing tall at 1.96 metres, he adds valuable strength to the Moana team, pushing hard for a spot in the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs.

Moana are just two points shy of the top six teams with four games still to play.

"Having moved to Auckland from Melbourne last year, all I've wanted is to get a chance like this," Fa'amausili says. "Before that, I had five months off rugby due to injury, so I've had to work really hard to get to this point.

"I love this team and can't wait to get to Dunedin and get things going with the boys."

Last weekend, Moana clinched their fourth win by defeating the Fijian Drua 34-15 at North Harbour Stadium.

Head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga has made four changes to the lineup in preparation for the game against the Highlanders.

Chris Apoua will start at tight-head prop, while Manawatū Turbos lock Ofa Tauatevalu will also make his debut for Moana Pasifika off the bench.

"We're looking forward to having Pone do a job for us this weekend," Umaga says. "It's been a long road back for him, and we're happy to see him get his chance this weekend.

"The same goes for Ofa, who has worked hard since our pre-season. Both players are part of the reason we have good depth this season. They've been pushing the rest of the squad really hard and preparing them well for games - now they get their chance."

In the backline, Kyren Taumoefolau will return to the left wing, while Tevita Ofa will continue his strong performance on the right wing.

The talented loose forward trio of Miracle Fai'ilagi, captain Ardie Savea, and Southland's Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa will also take the field again this week.

Fai'ilagi and Tupou Ta'eiloa were standout players in the previous round, while Savea is leading the Super Rugby player of the year rankings.

Ofa had an impressive outing against the Drua last week, with 91 post-contact metres, 12 tackles, five defenders beaten, 188 metres carried, four linebreaks and a try.

Moana Pasifika head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga, left, and captain Ardie Savea. Photo/Moana Pasifika

Fans can also look forward to seeing the exciting midfield duo of Danny Toala and Lalomilo Lalomilo, who have shown great teamwork this season.

Highlanders reshuffle forwards

Meanwhile, Fijian star Timoci Tavatanawai, who played for Moana Pasifika in 2022, will return to his usual position at second five-eighth for the Highlanders.

The Otago side will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Crusaders, 43-10, last week.

The Highlanders have not lost to Moana, holding off a late charge by the Pasifika to win 31-29 in February.

Head coach Jamie Joseph has made some adjustments in the forward pack, including moving Hugh Renton to No. 8 and starting Oliver Haig at lock. Prop Rohan Wingham will make his season debut on the bench.

Nathan Hastie will start at halfback in the backline, and Sam Gilbert will be on the right wing.

Timoci Tavatavanawai became a Super Rugby Pacific star of 2022 while playing for Moana Pasifika. Photo/Super Rugby

Drua ring the changes against Reds

Meanwhile, the Fijian Drua are preparing for Saturday's match against the Queensland Reds in Suva.

Head Coach Glen Jackson has made five changes to their lineup.

He remains hopeful that his team will break into the top six despite being last in the standings.

Jackson aims to secure bonus points in their upcoming game and has appointed prop Mesake Doge as captain for the match.

Doge replaces Mesulame Dolokoto, the captain for the last three games, while Zuriel Togiatama replaces him on the bench. Tevita Ikanivere, who is the season's skipper, is also on the bench.

Jackson also made his biggest positional change this week, moving consistent flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula to fullback and bringing Kemu Valetini to No.10.

Drua v Reds, Saturday 3 May at HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, 1205pm (NZ time).

Moana v Highlanders, Sunday 4 May at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin. Kickoff at 3.35pm (NZT).

Other matches include the defending champions Blues hosting the Force on Friday, and the top-of-the-table Chiefs travel to Wellington to face the Hurricanes on Saturday. The Brumbies and Waratahs will also meet for an all-Australian derby in Canberra later on Saturday.

Teams

Moana Pasifika (1-15): Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Samuel Slade, Miracle Faiilagi, Ardie Savea (captain), Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Kyren Taumoefolau, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Tevita Ofa, William Havili.

Bench: Tomasi Maka, Monu Moli, Pone Fa'amausili*, Of a Tauatevalu*, Sione Havili Talitui, Melani Matavao, Julian Savea, Patrick Pellegrini. * denotes debut

Drua (1-15): Peni Ravai, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge (c), Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Kitione Salawa, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Taniela Rakuro, Inia Tabuavou, Vuate Karawalevu, Selestino Ravutaumada, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.

Bench: Tevita Ikanivere, Haereiti Hetet, Samuela Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Elia Canakiavata, Philip Baselala, Isikeli Rabitu.