Highlanders vs Moana

[Landers92]

Nice to see more balance in the backline this week with Tavatavanawai back in 12 with Gilbert in to 14 which pushes Te Hiwi to the bench. I like the inclusion of Robinson on the bench as well.

Haig pushed in to lock to give Dunshea some deserved cut back on minutes. Much prefer Haig there over TK, scrum seems to hold a lot better with Haig in at lock.

Going to be a tough clash which could go either way. Hopefully the boys are up for it.

[handa457]

Honestly this isn’t a bad team. Good to see Wingham getting a run. Bench looks to be providing some solid impact. A shame Nareki, Tangitau and Telea are not back yet. But this should be a competitive game.

[frugby]

Team has a better lock about it than last time, but the bench is flakey. Feels like we will just find a way to win this one. We shall see.

[Duluth]

https://moanapasifika.co.nz/faamausili-named-for-moana-pasifika-debut-in-highlanders-rematch/

Tito Tuipulotu, Millennium Sanerivi, Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Samuel Slade, Miracle Faiilagi, Ardie Savea (c), Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Kyren Taumoefolau, Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalamilo, Tevita Ofa, William Havili

Replacements: Tomasi Maka, Monu Moli, Pone Fa'amausili, Ofa Tauatevalu, Sione Havili Talitui, Melani Matavao, Julian Savea, Patrick Pellegrini

---

I didn't realise Pone Fa’amausili has moved to Auckland. Did he play any club rugby before coming back from injury?

[Grooter]

@frugby I feel the opposite I can just picture Pellegrini with 3 try assists in the final 20 hope I'm wrong!

[Tim]

Moana starting 3rd choice tight head, so will be relieved to have Fa'amausili on the bench.

[African Monkey]

@Tim said in Highlanders vs Moana:

Moana starting 3rd choice tight head, so will be relieved to have Fa'amausili on the bench.

Will be a good scrum battle between Apoua and De Groot. Apoua is a big scrummager.

[SBW1]

Is there still a chance for either of these two sides?

[Landers92]

@SBW1 said in Highlanders vs Moana:

Is there still a chance for either of these two sides?

Check the table

[Landers92]

Late changes.

Renton out and Stodart coming in at 8 for him. Jake Te Hiwi drops out and Filimone comes on to the bench for him.

[Chris B.]

@SBW1 said in Highlanders vs Moana:

Is there still a chance for either of these two sides?

Mathematically, yes.

Realistically - Highlanders finish with Hurricanes and Crusaders away, and Chiefs at home. They'll need a miracle.

Moana must win this one and then have some results go their way - e.g. have to beat the Blues and have the Drua do the same. Tahs and Force also have to stumble. Equation is unlikely, but possible.

[SBW1]

MP have a fair bit of firepower on their day. Can see them knocking an Aussie team out of contention. Not so sure of the Highlanders, if they lose today they are as good as done.

[Mattasaurus]

@Landers92 said in Highlanders vs Moana:

Late changes.

Renton out and Stodart coming in at 8 for him. Jake Te Hiwi drops out and Filimone comes on to the bench for him.

Renton is a real loss, good leader.

[Landers92]

@Mattasaurus said in Highlanders vs Moana:

@Landers92 said in Highlanders vs Moana:

Late changes.

Renton out and Stodart coming in at 8 for him. Jake Te Hiwi drops out and Filimone comes on to the bench for him.

Renton is a real loss, good leader.

Forced to fast track Stodart a bit with Broughton being out injured too. At least it’s getting the young man some good experience nice and early

[Bones]

Hastie's severe lack of haste exposed 3-4 times already.

[Landers92]

Messy but some nice pressure built. Opportunist try. Dumb off load from Moana

[African Monkey]

Well constructed try for Moana.

[Landers92]

In true Highlanders form. We score a try and then concede one within 2 minutes

[Bones]

@Landers92 not a good look for Haig having a smaller midfielder go through him.

[Grooter]

Howden going well today