Former Wallaby and proud Tongan Sekope Kepu returns to captain the team this week after recovering from a collar bone injury sustained against the Highlanders in Round 8. Ray Niuia and Abraham Pole join Kepu in the front row.
Veikoso Poloniati and Samuel Slade combine at lock to complete the tight five. Michael Curry retains the number 6 jersey from the Hurricanes match and Manu Samoa internationals Alamanda Motuga and Henry Time-Stowers return to openside and number eight, respectively.
Ereatara Enari and Christian Leali’ifano combine at 9 and 10 and have proved to be a formidable pairing this season. Second five eighth Henry Taefu and centre Levi Aumua will start, with Danny Toala dropping to fullback for the first time this season.
Crowd favourite Timoci Tavatavanawai will start on the left wing with the in-form Tima Fainga’anuku to play on the right.
Moana Pasifika v Melbourne Rebels
Saturday 30 April 2022
Kick off 7:45pm
1. Abraham Pole
2. Ray Niuia
3. Sekope Kepu (C)
4. Veikoso Poloniati
5. Samuel Slade
6. Michael Curry
7. Alamanda Motuga
8. Henry Time-Stowers
9. Ereatara Enari
10. Christian Leali’ifano
11. Timoci Tavatavanawai
12. Henry Taefu
13. Levi Aumua
14. Tima Fainga’anuku
15. Danny Toala
16. Luteru Tolai
17. Ezekiel Lindenmuth
18. Joe ‘Apikotoa
19. Sione Tu’ipulotu
20. Solomone Funaki
21. Jonathan Taumateine
22. Lincoln McClutchie
23. Solomone Kata
Unavailable due to injury: Don Lolo, Mike McKee, Lotu Inisi, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Anzelo Tuitaviki, Tomasi Alosio.