All Blacks back-row star Ardie Savea has been ruled out of Moana Pasifika’s Super Rugby Pacific encounter against the Chiefs in Pukekohe on Friday due to injury.
The 31-year-old sustained a hamstring issue during Moana’s Round Four Super Rugby Pacific victory against his former team the Hurricanes in Auckland.
With Savea sidelined, Miracle Faiilagi, who scored a hat-trick in that encounter, shifts from the blinside to the openside flank while second-row Tom Savage takes over the captaincy.
Moana head coach Tana Umaga said Savea’s injury was “nothing major”, although they did not want to risk him against the Chiefs, who are currently sitting pretty at the top of the Super Rugby Pacific standings.
“He’s feeling pretty confident and we’ve just got to go with his knowledge of his body,” said Umaga.
More injury changes
Apart from Savea, Moana will also be without the services of winger Solomon Alaimalo, centre Danny Toala and front-row James Lay, who are sidelined with shoulder, knee and elbow injuries respectively.
Losi Filipo has been named as Alaimalo’s replacement on the right wing while Lalomilo Lalomilo moves from outside to inside centre to replace Toala, with Pepesana Patafilo coming in to wear the number 13 jersey, and Abraham Pole taking over from Lay at loosehead prop.
The only other alteration to the run-on side which started against the Hurricanes sees Ola Tauelangi coming in to take over from Faiilagi on the blindside flank.
Meanwhile, rising Manu Samoa star Tuna Tuitama has a chance to make his Moana Pasifika debut after being named as one of the backline replacements.
The 25-year-old speedster was part of Moana Pasifika’s wider training squad in 2024 and has shone for his country on World Rugby’s sevens series.
“I’m so excited and humbled to have this opportunity,” said Tuitama. “I can’t wait to get out there and play with the boys.”
Apart from Tuitama, a strong group that includes Sama Malolo, Tito Tuipulotu, Michael Curry, Semisi Paea and Melani Matavao will enforce energy off the replacements bench.
Moana Pasifika team to face the Chiefs
Moana Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Losi Filipo, 13 Pepesana Patafilo, 12 Lalomilo Lalomilo, 11 Kyren Taumoefolau, 10 Patrick Pellegrini, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Miracle Faiilagi, 6 Ola Tauelangi, 5 Allan Craig, 4 Tom Savage (c), 3 Sione Mafile’o, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 Abraham Pole
Replacements: 16 Sama Malolo, 17 Tito Tuipulotu, 18 Chris Apoua, 19 Michael Curry, 20 Semisi Paea, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 Tevita Ofa, 23 Tuna Tuitama
Date: Friday, March 21
Venue: Navigation Home Stadium, Pukekohe
Kick-off: 19:05 local (06:05 GMT)
Referee: Marcus Playle (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Angus Mabey (New Zealand), Fraser Hannon (New Zealand)
TMO: Shane McDermott (New Zealand)
👀 READ MORE 👉 Scott Robertson changes tune on All Blacks eligibility after talks with ex-Springboks coach
Src: Planetrugby.com - https://www.planetrugby.com/news/ardie-savea-blow-as-all-blacks-star-suffers-injury-ahead-of-chiefs-clash-in-super-rugby-pacific
