Super Rugby Pacific: Latu set for debut as Moana brace for Highlanders clash

Moana Pasifika are gearing up for a big Round Seven clash at North Harbour Stadium on Friday night, with Tongan prop Paula Latu set to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench.

The match comes just days after head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga confirmed he will leave at the end of the season to join Dave Rennie’s All Blacks coaching team as defence coach, adding another layer of significance to Friday's fixture.

Umaga insists he will give everything to his current side before the end of the Super Rugby season.

"I've got to make sure that I do well with Moana Pasifika and respect the time that I've got here," the former All Blacks captain said. "I'll apply the same things I learned when I was an All Black in terms of 'am I going to leave Moana in a better place'?

"I'm here until the end of the season and we've still got things we want to achieve before then."

Amid the coaching news, all eyes will also be on Latu, who is set to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench for Moana Pasifika.

Tana Umaga will guide Moana Pasifika for the remainder of the season before joining the All Blacks coaching team as defence coach. Photo/

Latu has taken a long road to this moment. One of 12 siblings from the village of Mataika, Latu moved to New Zealand at 14 and attended Gisborne Boys’ High School.

He later served his Mormon mission in El Salvador and Guatemala, experiences that shaped both his life and rugby journey.

Latu was part of Tonga’s squad at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, featuring in their final pool match against Romania, and has built strong ties with several Highlanders players through his time with Southland since 2021.

Moana Pasifika ready to take the field at North Harbour Stadium, blending rising stars and experienced players in Friday’s clash against the Highlanders. Photo/Moana Pasifika

In his first season there, he was named Rookie of the Year and the Supporters Club’s Most Promising Player.

The 30-year-old ‘Ikale Tahi forward is one of several changes to the Moana side this week, with Abraham Pole, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Veikoso Poloniati, and Dominic Ropeti all named to start.

Meanwhile, the Highlanders will also blood a debutant, with halfback Nic Shearer named to make his first Super Rugby Pacific appearance.

Highlanders head coach Jamie Joseph said the young No.9 has earned his chance.

"Nic has shown good form in the development team games and played with some real spark that we want him to bring to our game. I'm sure he will adapt well to Super Rugby," Joseph said in a statement.

Joseph expects a physical contest against Moana Pasifika, who have built their game around power and direct play. "They are a big, physical side that play a direct style of game, and we will need to meet that challenge."

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph expects a tough, physical contest against Moana Pasifika on Friday night. Photo/Photosport/Blake Armstrong

There is also a welcome return of experience in the backline, with Jackson Garden-Bachop and Solomon Alaimalo back in the starting XV.

On the bench, Samiuela Moli, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Alefosio Aho, and Ola Tauelangi are expected to bring impact late in the game.

Tevita Ofa is another to watch. The outside back has scored in two of his last three matches and made nine line breaks in his last six appearances, including two in each of his last two games.

At halfback, Joel Lam continues his rapid rise. After not holding a Super Rugby contract last year, he has become a key figure for Moana in recent weeks.

He keeps his place in the starting side after an impressive performance against the Crusaders, where he made 13 tackles, beat five defenders and scored a try. Moana lost that match 50-21.

Moana Pasifika halfback Joel Lam sets up the attack against the Crusaders in Auckland last week. Photo/Photosport/

Lam is currently level with Waratahs player Sid Harvey in Rookie of the Year votes, underlining his impact during a breakout stretch.

With injuries forcing changes earlier in the season, Lam has stepped up confidently, filling the gap left by experienced playmakers Jonathan Taumateine and Melani Matavao.

Fans are encouraged to check local updates ahead of kick-off, with wet weather expected in the Auckland region.

If it goes ahead, Moana Pasifika will run out in front of their home fans in Albany looking to build momentum, celebrate a debut, and mark the start of a new chapter with their departing coach still leading the way.

For more on Super Rugby Pacific 2026, click here.

Kick-off: 7.05pm NZT, Friday 27 March
Venue: North Harbour Stadium, Albany

Referee: Damon Murphy. Assistant referees: Jordan Way, Jeremy Markey. TMO: Brett Cronan.

TEAMS

Moana Pasifika (1-15): Abraham Pole, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Veikoso Poloniati, Allan Craig, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Niko Jones, Dominic Ropeti, Joel Lam, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Glen Vaihu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Tevita Latu, Solomon Alaimalo, William Havili.

Impact: Samiuela Moli, Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Paula Latu (debut), Alefosio Aho, Ola Tauelangi, Siaosi Nginingini, Patrick Pellegrini, Tevita Ofa.

Unavailable due to injury: Julian Savea (shoulder), Lolani Faleiva (shoulder), Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa (head knock), Tito Tuipulotu (thumb), Tom Savage (head knock), Tupou Afungia (neck).

Highlanders: (1-15) Ethan de Groot, Jack Taylor, Angus Ta'avao, Oliver Haig, Tomas Lavanini, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Hugh Renton (co-c), Nic Shearer, Reesjan Pasitoa, Jona Nareki, Tanielu Tele'a, Jonah Lowe, Caleb Tangitau, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens

Replacements: Henry Bell, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Rohan Wingham, Will Stodart, Sean Withy, Adam Lennox, Andrew Knewstubb, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c).