Moana Pasifika at full strength ahead of their first home game

Moana Pasifika welcome back a full-strength lineup ahead of their first home game against the Western Force on Friday.

Following eight debutants to the club in their round two loss against the Hurricanes, head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga has brought back experience ahead of their home opener.

In a statement Umaga says, “we’re going out to South Auckland in Pukekohe where a lot of us have some personal connections, so we’re looking forward to it.”

“We love coming home and we love the support of our people, and representing them so we can’t wait to get out there.”

Amongst the key changes, is experienced prop Abraham Pole, who is set to bring up his 50th Super Rugby appearance after being named on the bench as an impact player.

The only change to the starting XV that defeated the Fijian Drua in round one sees former Melbourne Rebels back Glen Vaihu come in at fullback.

Vaihu replaces William Havili, who suffered a neck injury against the Hurricanes.

A social media update later confirmed Havili has been cleared of any serious damage and is currently on a managed load under the supervision of medical staff.

Meanwhile, Tongan flanker Semisi Paea returns to the squad after missing a week to attend the birth of his first child.

Moana are still searching for their first home win over the Force, having fallen 48-28 in their last New Zealand meeting at Go Media Stadium back in 2022.

Moana Pasifika vs Western Force

Location: Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe

Kick-off: Friday, 7.05pm (NZT)

Teams: Moana Pasifika: Tito Tuipolotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Miracle Faiilagi ©, Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Solomon Alaimalo, Ngani Laumape, Lalomilio Lalomilo, Tevita Ofa, Glen Vaihu Bench: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Lolani Faleiva, Ola Tauelangi, Tupou Afungia, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tevita Latu.

Western Force: Tom Robertson, Nic Dolly, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Franco Molina, Darcy Swain, Jeremy Williams ©, Carlo Tizzano, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Nathan Hastie, Ben Donaldson (vc), Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, George Bridge, Darby Lancaster, Mac Grealy Bench: Leonel Oviedo, Sef Fa’agase, Misinale Epenisa, Lopeti Faifua, Kane Koteka, Agustin Moyano, Max Burey, Kurtley Beale.