The Highlanders will face Moana Pasifika in their opening preseason fixture at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland.

The Highlanders are set to face Moana Pasifika in their opening preseason fixture at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland.


The match will kick-off on the outer oval this Friday (31st  January) at 1:00 pm. The squad for the match has been named, with Head Coach Jamie Joseph taking a large squad of 32 players to get game time in a fixture that will be played in 3 x 30 minute halves. 


  
Joseph has named a versatile and dynamic squad for this important preseason clash, and the team is eager to hit the field and put their hard work in training to the test. 

“We’re really looking forward to seeing how the squad gels in game conditions,” said Joseph. “We’ve got a lot of exciting talent and competition for spots this season, and this match will be a great opportunity to fine-tune some things and build momentum.”

Starting XV


1.    Josh Bartlett
2.    Soane Vikena
3.    Sosefo Kautai
4.    Lui Naeata
5.    Mitchell Dunshea
6.    Hugh Renton (CC)
7.    Hayden Michaels
8.    Nikora Broughton
9.    Nathan Hastie
10. Cameron Millar
11. Caleb Tangitau
12. Jake Te Hiwi
13. Tanielu Tele’a
14. Michael Manson
15. Sam Gilbert

Replacements: 
Henry Bell, Jack Taylor, Rohan Wingham, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Jack Sexton, Josh Tengblad, Fabian Holland, Michael Loft, Sean Withy, Veveni Lasaqa, Folau Fakatava, Adam Lennox, Ajay Faleafaga, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (CC) Josh Whaanga, Finn Hurley.
 
 
Moana Pasifika Head Coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga says it will be an important game in Moana Pasifika's preparation for the new season, which sees them add 14 new signings including players who have been elevated to full-time contracts.

"We've welcomed new players with valuable experience, as well as some fresh young talent who are getting their first taste of Super Rugby. We want to give everyone a chance to play and test new combinations," Umaga said. 

"We want to be competitive this year, so this is an opportunity for us to see where our players are at and how we can improve before the season begins."

Moana Pasifika and the Highlanders will meet again in Round 3 of DHL Super Rugby Pacific, at North Harbour Stadium on February 28. 

First 30-minute block

  • Tito Tuipulotu 
  • Sama Malolo 
  • Feleti Sae-ta'ufo'ou 
  • Ofa Tauatevalu 
  • Samuel Slade 
  • Miracle Faiilagi 
  • Sione Havili Talitui 
  • Semisi Tupou Tailoa 
  • Jonathan Taumateine 
  • Jackson Garden-Bachop 
  • Tuna Tuitama 
  • Lalomilo Lalomilo 
  • Tevita Ofa 
  • Kyren Taumoefolau 
  • William Havili 
  • Monu Moli

Second 30-minute block

  • Fatongia Paea 
  • Millenium Senerivi 
  • Chris Apoua 
  • Tom Savage 
  • Allan Craig 
  • Ola Tauelangi 
  • Sione Havili Talitui 
  • Semisi Tupou Tailoa 
  • Aisea Halo  
  • William Havili  
  • Tuna Tuitama 
  • Julian Savea  
  • Tevita Ofa 
  • Theo Steffany 
  • Kyren Taumoefolau  

Third 30-minute block

  • James Lay 
  • Tomasi Maka 
  • Sione Mafileo 
  • Michael Curry 
  • Connor Seve 
  • Irie Papuni 
  • Niko Jones 
  • Lotu Inisi 
  • Melani Matavao / Siaosi Nginingini 
  • Patrick Pellegrini 
  • Losi Filipo 
  • Afa Moleli 
  • Fine Inisi 
  • Theo Steffany 
  • Solomon Alaimalo