Moana Pasifika need to pull off a big win to keep in touch of finals, and they will face a rising Brumbies side this weekend in Pukekohe.
Moana Pasifika have lost one Savea, but welcomed back another for the first time in 2025.
Indeed, Ardie Savea has been rested for their clash against the Brumbies, but Julian Savea is back and been named at inside centre.
Tana Umaga has also returned Patrick Pellegrini to the No.10 jersey, with Jackson Garden-Bachop to come off the bench. Tevita Ofa replaces William Havili at fullback.
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham has tweaked his forward pack, while Ollie Sapsford replaces the concussed Len Ikitau.
Ikitau was forced off in the third minute during his side’s come-from-behind win over the Reds in Brisbane last weekend, but his replacement Ollie Sapsford was a standout.
Up front, Rhys van Nek and Lachlan Lonergan start ahead of James Slipper and Billy Pollard.
“We are rotating our forward pack due to a couple of injuries from last weekend’s game against the Reds, which was extremely physical. We are expecting another physical test against Moana this weekend,” Larkham said.
MOANA PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sione Mafile’o, Tom Savage, Michael Curry, Miracle Faiilagi, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, Patrick Pellegrini, Kyren Taumoefolau, Julian Savea, Pepesana Patafilo, Fine Inisi, Tevita Ofa
Replacements: Sama Malolo, Monu Moli, Chris Apoua, Samuel Slade, Ola Tauelangi, Melani Matavaom Jackson Garden-Bachop, Danny Toala
BRUMBIES (1-15): Rhys van Nek, Lachlan Lonergan, Allan Alaalatoa (c), Nick Frost, Tom Hooper, Rob Valetini, Rory Scott, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Lonergan, Noah Lolesio, Corey Toole, David Feliuai, Ollie Sapsford, Andy Muirhead, Tom Wright
Replacements: Billy Pollard, James Slipper, Feao Fotuaika, Lachlan Shaw, Cadeyrn Neville, Harrison Goddard, Declan Meredith, Hudson Creighton
Referee: Angus Mabey
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