[ad_1]
Moana Pasifika’s coach Tana Umaga appointed a team full of pace, skill and power for the clash against NZ Māori in Hamilton on December 5, a historic encounter for the team that could take its place in Super Rugby in 2022 .
All Black Josh Ioane, who also qualifies for NZ Māori, will lead a Pasifika bottom line that includes Crusaders and Tasmanian wing Leceister Fainga’anuku and Auckland Salesi Rayasi, likely the Miter 10 Cup riders.
Fiona Goodall / Getty Images
Josh Ioane made his All Blacks debut against Tonga in Hamilton last year and also represented NZ Māori.
That trio will be joined by Super Rugby talents Vince Aso, Fetuli Paea, Stephen Perofeta and Folau Fakatava, the Hawke’s Bay and Highlanders running back who has also been in outstanding form.
Up front, stylish number 8 Marino Mikaele-Tu’u will join Chiefs Samisoni Taukieaho and Pita Gus Sowakula, while Crusaders mainstay Michael Alaalatoa, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Sione Mafileo and Nasi Manu are also in the mix. .
READ MORE:
* Documentary paints a bleak picture of Pacific Island rugby
* Samisoni Taukei’aho looks at All Blacks’ ‘dream’ after rejecting Tonga ahead of Rugby World Cup
* All Blacks lockout Patrick Tuipulotu talks about ‘broken promises’ for Pasifika rugby
* Former Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger joins forces with Tana Umaga on Moana Pasifika
“We are very proud of the team we have selected, it is a great team,” said Umaga.
“We really had a lot of options to choose from and as we’ve always known, the players were really drawn to being a part of this special team.
“We believe that we have selected a team that represents a great mix of players who identify with the great nations of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
Evan Barnes / Getty Images
Crusaders and Tasman’s powerhouse Leicester Fainga’anuku will be part of the Pacific Ocean team.
“For some players like Josh Ioane, this may be the only opportunity they will have to play for a team that recognizes their Pacific heritage, in a unique encounter like this, and we are excited to have them in the mix.”
Moana Pasifika had a heavyweight endorsement for inclusion in Super Rugby Aotearoa in 2021, but New Zealand Rugby decided it would be better if the new team were given more time to prepare for 2022.
That means the NZ Māori accessory is an important stepping stone for Moana Pasifika, as it builds presence and credibility ahead of what will be an important year in 2021 to attract commercial and player support and strengthen ties with the countries of the Isles of the World. Peaceful.
“That is not lost on us,” Umaga told Stuff. “And I think that selecting this team to bring in those who have committed to the Pacific Island nations is important, to show the commitment that they have made, and also to represent the Pacific Island nations that, hopefully they will make the Moana Pasifika team.
Phil Walter / Getty Images
Auckland winger Salesi Rayasi will be part of an exciting Moana Pasifika bottom line.
“I know it’s not in the cards for 2021, but this was fixed pretty quickly, the management hasn’t even met yet… there are some long nights right now trying to fix all of this.
“But I think that’s a show if you give us a chance that we can put something together. Hopefully that creates development pathways and opportunities for Pacific Island nations. “
Umaga will be joined in the coaches box by former Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger, who has Cook Islands heritage, and Blues coaches Tom Coventry and Ben Afeaki.
Kerry Marshall / Getty Images
Marino Mikaele-Tu’u of Hawke’s Bay has been spoken of as a future All Black.
The strong flavor of the Blues in that group should ensure that coaches are on the same page against a Maori team from New Zealand led by incoming Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan.
Moana Pasifika’s team will be reuniting next week after the Miter 10 Cup finals are completed and their preparations begin in earnest.
NZ Māori will name his team on Tuesday night.
Kerry Marshall / Getty Images
Folau Fakatava, born in Tonga, is part of the powerful team of Tana Umaga.
TAKE A LOOK
Moana Pasifika Squad
Forwards: Alamanda Motuga (Manukau Counties, Tonga), Daniel Lienert-Brown (Canterbury, Highlanders, Samoa), Gerard Cowley-Tuioti (North Harbor, Blues, Samoa), Jordan Lay (Bay of Plenty, Bristol, Samoa), Leni Apisai (Auckland, Samoa / Tuvalu), Marino Mikaele-Tu’u (Hawkes Bay, Highlanders, Samoa), Michael Alaalatoa (Manawatu, Crusaders, Samoa), Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Wellington, Chiefs, Samoa), Nasi Manu (Otago, Tonga), Pita Gus Sowakula (Taranaki, Chiefs, Fiji), Samipeni Finau (Waikato, Tonga) Samisoni Taukieaho (Waikato, Chiefs, Tonga), Sione Mafielo (North Harbor, Blues, Tonga), Zane Kapeli (Bay of Plenty, Tonga ).
Backs: Asaeli Tikoroituma (North Harbor, Fiji), Dwyane Polataivao (Tasman, Utah Warriors, Samoa), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau, Chiefs, Samoa), Fetuli Paea (Tasman, Tonga Highlanders), Folau Fakatava (Hawke’s Bay, Highlanders, Tonga), Jone Macilai (Northland, Fiji), Josh Ioane (Otago, Highlanders, NZ / Samoa), Leicester Fainga’anuku (Tasman, Crusaders, Tonga), Salesi Rayasi (Auckland, Hurricanes, Fiji / Samoa), Stephen Prophet (Taranaki, Blues, Samoa), Thomas Alosio (Wellington, Samoa), Vince Aso (Wellington, Hurricanes, Samoa)
