Julian Savea back, Joel Lam debuts, Augustine Pulu suspended: Moana Pasifika face big week

Moana Pasifika have a busy week ahead, with veteran Julian Savea back in the side and rising star Joel Lam earning his first start.

But they will also be without halfback Augustine Pulu following a three-week suspension for a dangerous tackle.

Savea will play his first match of the 2026 season when Moana Pasifika host the Crusaders on Saturday night at North Harbour Stadium.

The return of the 35-year-old former All Black gives the side an experienced boost in the backline.

Lam, 23, a standout in last week’s 43-7 thumping by the Blues, earns his first start at halfback.

In 44 minutes of playing time last week, Lam didn’t miss a single tackle and helped Moana Pasifika’s attack come alive.

A file photo of Moana Pasifika at training: They are preparing this week for their first home match of the season against the Crusaders, with a reshuffled backline and a focus on building momentum. Photo/Photosport/Alan Lee

Lam has strong connections with the Crusaders, where he made his Super Rugby Pacific debut in 2023.

The loose forwards department has been reshuffled too, with Niko Jones earning his first start of the season at openside flanker.

Jones, who made his Manu Sāmoa debut last year against Scotland, is known for his ferocious ball-carrying and strong work ethic.

Joel Lam against Fiji in the Pacific Nations Cup in September 2025: This weekend, he will direct play at halfback as Moana Pasifika prepare for their North Harbour Stadium clash against the Crusaders in Super Rugby Pacific. Photo/Photosport/Stephen Parker

But Moana Pasifika will be without Pulu after a high tackle on Blues’ Sam Nock in the 17th minute of last weekend’s match at Eden Park.

Pulu, a former All Black, was initially shown a yellow card, which was later upgraded to red.

Coach Tana Umaga reflected on the impact of Pulu’s sending-off after the match.

"That did harm us. It obviously harmed Sam Nock, which isn't ideal. He's a good, young man," he said.

"To play half an hour with 14 players… but the funny thing is, when we did have 14 men, we seemed to have a lot more urgency and showed what we can do. When we were 15, it wasn't the same."

The judiciary set a six-week suspension for Pulu’s direct contact with a swinging arm to the head but applied a full 50 per cent reduction due to his guilty plea, prior record, and remorse, bringing the ban to three weeks.

Augustine Pulu tackles Blues’ Sam Nock. He was shown a red card for a high tackle on Nock, resulting in a three-week suspension that sidelines him for upcoming key matches. Photo/Photosport/Alan Lee

The suspension could drop to two weeks if Pulu completes World Rugby’s Coaching Intervention Programme. Pulu will also miss Moana Pasifika’s upcoming matches against the Highlanders (27 March) and Chiefs (11 April).

Despite these challenges, Moana Pasifika remain motivated to make their first home match of the season count.

Savea will start at second five-eighths, Lam at halfback, and Tevita Latu shifts to right wing. Chris Apoua, Jackson Garden-Bachop, and Siaosi Nginingini return to the bench.

"We've got to make sure that we don’t just talk about it, but we're actually living what we talk about," Umaga said in a statement. "We're excited about being home and that's a huge motivation for us."

Moana Pasifika now face a test of depth, resilience, and talent as they look to bounce back from last week’s defeat and balance the return of key players with the absence of Pulu.

The Moana Pasifika vs Crusaders match on Saturday 21 March at North Harbour Stadium. Kickoff at 7.05pm. Tickets from $20 for adults and $10 for children and can be purchased from here. For more details on the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific, click here.

TEAMS

Moana Pasifika (1-15): Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Atu Moli, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Niko Jones, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Joel Lam, Patrick Pellegrini, Glen Vaihu, Julian Savea, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Tevita Latu, William Havili

Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Veikoso Poloniati, Dominic Ropeti, Siaosi Nginingini, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tevita Ofa

Crusaders (1-15): Finlay Brewis, George Bell, Fletcher Newell, Tahlor Cahill, Jamie Hannah, Ethan Blackadder, Johnny Lee, Christian Lio-Willie, Noah Hotham, Cooper Grant, Sevu Reece, Dallas McLeod, Braydon Ennor, Chay Fihaki, Will Jordan (c)

Replacements: Manumaua Leitu, George Bower, Seb Calder, Antonio Shalfoon, Xavier Saifoloi, Kyle Preston, Leciester Fainga'anuku, Kurtis Macdonald

Referee: Angus Mabey. Assistant Referees: Paul Williams, Mike Winter. TMO: Aaron Paterson.