Moana Pasifika aim for strong start to season

This season promises to be exciting for Moana Pasifika as they look to make history.

“We’re blessed with a real opportunity here. Two wins on the trot in Australia? It’s never been done before,” says Moana Pasifika front-rower Sama Malolo ahead of their season opener against the Western Force on Saturday.

As he enters his second season with the team, the Manu Samoa representative is excited for the new year ahead.

“It’s been a tough pre-season, but man, the boys are looking fit this season,” Malolo exclaims.

The North Harbour-based side lost both pre-season matches against the Highlanders and Chiefs.

Malolo says the team is eager to start their season strong in Australia despite these defeats.

“We’re blessed with a real opportunity here, two games on the trot in Australia.

“If we make a really good start, two wins for Moana (has) never been done in history.

“So with the leaders and players we have this year, it’s a job we can do.”

James Lay during Moana's pre-season match against the Chiefs. Photo/Moana Pasifika.

Front-rower James Lay says working for “longer periods” is a key area the team wants to focus on this season.

“I think one of the things that we pride ourselves on is definitely our ability to work for longer periods so that's something that we can control individually but also your want and your desire is always there based off of what we play for, the greater purpose.

“I think if we can string together games and play for longer periods, man, we're a dangerous team.”

Moana have named eight debutants for round one. The recruits have been called up to the team as Moana head to Perth to face the Western Force.

Moana hold one win over the Force from the last season, winning 22-14 in their previous meeting.

Match details: Saturday 15 February 2025
HBF Park, Perth
Kick off: 9:35pm (NZ Time)
*debutants
1. James Lay
2. Millenium Sanerivi*
3. Feleti Sae-Tau’ufo’ou*
4. Samuel Slade
5. Allan Craig
6. Miracle Faiilagi
7. Sione Havili Talitui
8. Ardie Savea (C ) *
9. Jonathan Taumateine
10. Jackson Garden-Bachop*
11. Kyren Taumoefolau
12. Lalomilo Lalomilo*
13. Pepesana Patafilo
14. Solomon Alaimalo*
15. William Havili
16. Sama Malolo
17. Tito Tuipulotu*
18. Chris Apoua
19. Tom Savage
20. Ofa Tauelangi
21. Semisi Tupou Tailoa*
22. Melani Matavao
23. Danny Toala