Blues vs Moana Pasifika 2022
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YOUNG TRIO EARN START AS BLUES RETURN HOME TO THE GARDEN OF EDEN — Blues Rugby
A trio of tyros have earned selection alongside proven regulars in the Blues side who return home to Eden Park to host Moana Pasifika on Saturday. Midfielder Corey Evans along with loose forwards Cameron Suafoa and Anton Segner, with just five caps between them, have earned a start in the return cl
Players not considered: Beauden Barrett, Josh Goodhue, Akira Ioane, Rieko Ioane, Nepo Laulala, Harry Plummer, Hoskins Sotutu, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Sam Darry.
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Hope we've fixed our defence against the rolling maul for this game. Quite happy with the team we've put out in the circumstances, especially with Corey Evans at 12, he looks a quality player. Good bench we have as well.
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@african-monkey yea excited to see Evans get a start. He is deceptively quick and having played 10 as a schoolboy has a good skillset. He might've missed a possible 4 on 2 on Tuesday night opting to carry instead but apart from that acquitted himself very well when the pressure went on in that 2nd half.
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@nogusta said in Blues vs Moana Pasifika 2022:
@african-monkey yea excited to see Evans get a start. He is deceptively quick and having played 10 as a schoolboy has a good killset. He might've missed a possible 4 on 2 on Tuesday night opting to carry instead but apart from that acquitted himself very well when the pressure went on in that 2nd half.
I really like his quick feet so I’m pleased to see him get a go.
I’d prefer having RTS available though.
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@tim said in Blues vs Moana Pasifika 2022:
Blues have picked a very mobile starting forward pack. Wonder if they will look to go a bit wider? Maybe stress kick chase?
MP had alot of stoppages on Tuesday, so hopefully they get the refs ear about that sort of gamesmanship.
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@tim said in Blues vs Moana Pasifika 2022:
Ezekiel Lindenmuth
Samiuela Moli
Sekope Kepu (C)
Veikoso Poloniati
Michael Curry
Sione Tu’ipulotu
Solomone Funaki
Henry Time-Stowers
Ereatara Enari
Christian Leali’ifano
Anzelo Tuitavuki
Solomone Kata
Fine Inisi
Timoci Tavatavanawai (debut)
William Havili
Luteru Tolai
Abraham Pole
Chris Apoua
Alex McRobbie
Alamanda Motuga
Dwayne Polataivao
Lincoln McClutchie
Tomasi AlosioMoana Pasifika Team Named For Blues, Eden Park
Moana Pasifika have named their team to play the rematch against the Blues on Saturday. Round 7 of DHL Super Rugby Pacific sees the two Auckland-based teams play each other twice in the space of four days. With the short turnaround, Head Coach Aaron Mauger has named a very different side to the team who went down on Tuesday 32-19.Sekope Kepu returns to Captain the side and is joined in the front row by Ezekiel Lindenmuth and Samiuela Moli at hooker. Veikoso Poloniati and Michael Curry will combine at lock to round out the tight five. Curry started Tuesday’s match and earnt his start on Saturday after a tremendous performance on debut.
The same starting loose forward trio from Moana Pasifika’s historic 24-19 win over the Hurricanes will return to the field with Tu’ipulotu, Funaki and Time-Stowers set to play at Eden Park.
Ereatara Enari will combine with Christian Leali’ifano in a new 9 & 10 combination which boasts plety of Super Rugby experience.
An unchanged starting midfield combination in Solomone Kata and Fine Inisi will look to build on their fine form from Tuesday’s game.
Playing three games in eight days has seen several debutants take the field and Ta$man Mako flyer Timoci Tavatavanawai will make his long awaited debut on the right wing. Anzelo Tuitavuki keeps his left wing spot from Tuesday and William Havili returns to fullback.
There is plenty of impact and firepower to come from the bench with the likes of experienced Manu Samoa halfback Dwayne Polataivao and Tuesday night try scorers Luteru Tolai, Abraham Pole and Tomasi Alosio.
Bit of important info from that same media release:
Unavailable for selection: Xavier Cowley-Tuioti, Jack Lam, Josh Kaifa, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Lotu Inisi, Don Lolo, D’Angelo Leuila, Niko Jones, Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Henry Taefu, Taukiaha’amea Koloamtangi, Lolagi Visinia, Manu Paea, Jonathan Taumateine, Samuel Slade, Neria Foma’i, Tima Fainga’anuku, Ray Niuia
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@tim said in Blues vs Moana Pasifika 2022:
Blues have picked a very mobile starting forward pack. Wonder if they will look to go a bit wider? Maybe stress kick chase?
I thought the Blues ruck play was sloppy in the midweek game. Choat doesn't put much pressure on over the ball, Segner has a bad habit of putting hands on the ground before attempting a steal, Plumtree was very quiet etc
Maybe the mobile pack is about getting a few more turnovers and/or forcing them to commit more?
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@stargazer said in Blues vs Moana Pasifika 2022:
Bit of important info from that same media release:
I'll put my toys back in the cot now. Covid?
Moana Pasifika Team Named For Blues, Eden Park – Moana Pasifika
