Highlanders v Moana Pasifika

[Tim]

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/128283621/were-a-good-chance-moana-pasifika-coach-aaron-mauger-eyes-highlanders-scalp-in-dunedin-return

[Tim]

[Bovidae]

Koroi is on the bench ahead of Banks.

Connor Garden-Bachop, Sam Gilbert, Fetuli Paea, Scott Gregory, Mosese Dawai, Mitch Hunt, Aaron Smith (c), Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, James Lentjes, Shannon Frizell, Josh Dickson, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Jermaine Ainsley, Andrew Makalio, Ethan De Groot.
Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Ayden Johnstone, Saula Ma'u, Max Hicks, Gareth Evans, Folau Fakatava, Vilimoni Koroi, Denny Solomona

Billy Harmon, Liam Coltman, Josh Timu and Thomas Umaga-Jensen are all unavailable.

[Tim]

Moana Pasifika: William Havili, Tima Fainga’anuku, Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Christian Leali’ifano, Ereatara Enari, Penitoa Finau, Alamanda Motuga, Solomone Funaki, Samuel Slade, Veikoso Poloniati, Sekope Kepu, Luteru Tolai, Ezekiel Lindenmuth.
Reserves: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Mahonri Ngakuru, Sione Tu’ipulotu, Jonathan Taumateine, Lincoln McClutchie, Fine Inisi

[Dice]

Quite a few guys back for MP, but missing Stowers, McRobbie, Fomai and Visinia. You'd think they'll be playing the Tuesday game.

Looking forward to the Funaki vs Frizell match-up. Funaki's been one of my favorite players to watch this season.

[Grooter]

@bovidae I know brown is usually keen on "experience" but I'm glad Ma'u and Koroi are in the 23 over Honeck and Banks respectively , not very familiar with max hicks hope he goes alright!

[ARHS]

@bovidae Do you know if Thwaites, Caird, Hammington or Tikoisolomone were available? Seems odd none of them in the 23.

[Bovidae]

@arhs No idea. What I posted was copied from the Stuff article. The official media release doesn't mention any other players that are unavailable either.

Highlanders named for inaugural match against Moana Pasifika | Highlanders Rugby Club Limited Partnership

It may have taken two attempts to play the game, but finally, Moana Pasifika will play the Highlanders this Friday night under the roof of Forsyth Barr Stadium. COVID-19 may have disrupted the earlier match up but with both teams desperate for a win, the scene is set for an exciting encounter.

[Kiwiwomble]

@arhs said in Highlanders v Moana Pasifika:

@bovidae Do you know if Thwaites, Caird, Hammington or Tikoisolomone were available? Seems odd none of them in the 23.

why is it odd? i dont think any have even played this year, hammington clearing the third choice 9 and he would be the closest to playing

[taniwharugby]

@arhs Apparently Caird caught Covid and was taking a bit to recover.

I believe the Highlanders had called Liam Hallam-Eames in to cover him, but he caught covid pretty soon after arriving in camp.

[ARHS]

@kiwiwomble exactly. None have been used and with no public comments on unavailability. Seemed like a good time to give the odd player a run and rest others. Only Hicks used here.

[Kiwiwomble]

@arhs said in Highlanders v Moana Pasifika:

@kiwiwomble exactly. None have been used and with no public comments on unavailability. Seemed like a good time to give the odd player a run and rest others. Only Hicks used here.

hardly odd though, still without a win so theyre going to stick the best team out there, not several debutants

[gt12]

God, commentators already have Frizell’s cock in their mouths.

[gt12]

And now he’s down.

Ouch.

[Mattasaurus]

@gt12 yup night over...

For all his faults he's been one our best...

[Yeetyaah]

Shannon FrizeLL

[gt12]

That was easy. Landers look like they’ve got the good hunt tonight.

[KiwiMurph]

lovely carry by DeGroot.

[Machpants]

@kiwimurph said in Highlanders v Moana Pasifika:

lovely carry by DeGroot.

And great work by Mitc Hunt

[Machpants]

@machpants said in Highlanders v Moana Pasifika:

@kiwimurph said in Highlanders v Moana Pasifika:

lovely carry by DeGroot.

And great work by Mitc Hunt

Not that kick tho