Moana Pasifika are getting ready to take on the Auckland Blues in their final home game of Super Rugby Pacific's regular season this Saturday night at North Harbour Stadium.

Head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga has named a strong side to face the defending champions, making just a couple of changes to the starting 15 that defeated the Highlanders 34-29 two weeks ago.

Patrick Pellegrini will step in as the starting first-five eighth (flyhalf) and Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou is returning to play in the tight-head prop position.

The match will also be special for prop Tito Tuipulotu as he will compete against his brother, Blues' captain Patrick Tuipulotu, for the first time while representing Moana Pasifika. Their older brother, Hamdahn, is also part of the Blues' wider squad.

Adding to Moana's energy are Samiuela Moli and Sione Havili Talitui, who are back after a week off, along with Allan Craig, who recently welcomed a baby boy named Miles.

"We know it's going to be a battle with playoff implications, and both teams will want to come out strong from the start," Umaga says in a statement.

"Our team is feeling refreshed and ready for the challenge, and it's going to be special playing in front of our passionate fans at North Harbour Stadium once again."

Moana Pasifika is hoping to achieve something special by winning back-to-back games against New Zealand teams for the first time in Super Rugby history.

The anticipation for this match is high, and it's expected to attract a big crowd, especially from Auckland and the Pacific communities.

Moana Pasifika head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga and captain Ardie Savea. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

Unfortunately, some players are unavailable due to injuries, including Alamanda Motuga, Fine Inisi, Michael Curry, Neria Fomai, Pone Fa'amausili, and Sama Malolo.

The game between Moana Pasifika and the Blues will kick off at 7.05pm (NZ Time) at North Harbour Stadium, Albany, on Saturday.

Waratahs' Pacific powerhouse ruled out

Meanwhile, Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i from the Waratahs has been ruled out for the rest of the Super Rugby Pacific season after suffering a fractured jaw during their 28-21 loss to the Queensland Reds in Sydney last weekend.

Sua'ali'i had a concussion during the game and later developed pain, which led to further tests revealing a minor jaw fracture. He will need a small operation, but is still expected to recover in time for the upcoming series against the British & Irish Lions.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii against the Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium on 5 April 2025. Moana won 45-28. Photo/Brett Phibbs/photosportnz

"Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i sustained a concussion last Friday night in the NSW Waratahs' Super Rugby Pacific game against the Queensland Reds, which was managed by the match-day medical team," the club stated.

"He was monitored and has settled well from his concussion. However, over the ensuing days, he developed soreness, which has been subsequently investigated and has shown a small undisplaced fracture of the jaw.

"In consultation with specialists, it has been determined that a small operation to reinforce the area is the best path forward."

Suaalii was already expected to miss Friday's clash with the Crusaders due to the 11-day stand-down period. He will now undergo minor surgery to return in time for the opening Test on 6 July against Fiji in Newcastle.

"This is unfortunate for us and especially for Joseph. We wish him all the best in his recovery and return to full health," coach Dan McKellar told the Australian media.

“We will do all we can to facilitate his recovery in consultation with Rugby Australia to have him in the best shape possible for his availability for the Wallabies.”

The Waratahs will face the Crusaders in Sydney on Friday night. In other matches this weekend, the Hurricanes will host the Highlanders on Friday. Saturday's schedule features games including the Fijian Drua against the Force, Moana Pasifika vs the Blues, and the Brumbies playing at home against the Reds.

Teams:

Moana Pasifika: Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, Tom Savage, Samuel Slade, Miracle Faiilagi, Ardie Savea (captain), Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Kyren Taumoefolau, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Tevita Ofa, William Havili. Bench: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Allan Craig, Sione Havili Talitui, Melani Matavao, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Julian Savea.

Fijian Drua: Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, Isoa Tuwai, Elia Canakaivata, Philip Baselala, Kemu Valetini, Taniela Rakuro, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Iosefo Masi, Ponipate Loganimasi, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula. Bench: Mesulame Dolokoto, Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge, Leone Rotuisolia, Kitione Salawa, Leone Nawai, Inia Tabuavou, Selestino Ravutaumada.