Moana Pasifika will again have some prime Otago beef on the field next season.
The Super Rugby Pacific club yesterday announced a 39-strong squad for its second year in the competition.
Remarkably, 38 of those players were capped in the inaugural season, when Moana Pasifika predictably struggled to get results — winning just two of 14 games — but played with plenty of Pacific pizzazz and showed promising signs for the future.
Two Otago props were named in the squad.
Taukiha’amea Koloamatangi returns for his second full season and will be eager to get more time on the park.
He is joined by Abraham Pole, the regular Otago loosehead who had a solid NPC campaign.
Pole is technically a newly contracted player but he is a familiar face on the Moana Pasifika scene.
He was called into the squad this year as a permanent injury replacement in 2022 and played in nine matches, scoring four tries and convincing the club he was worthy of a full-time contract.
Ironically, Pole marked his Super Rugby debut with a try AGAINST Moana Pasifika when he made his debut as a replacement with the Crusaders.
Other players upgraded to full contracts after appearing as replacements in 2022 include Manu Samoa and Waikato first five D’Angelo Leuila, Tasman lock Mahonri Mgakuru and North Harbour loose forward Michael Curry.
The intriguing newcomer is a Samoa-based loose forward with a name that means good things are surely to come.
Miracle Fai’ilagi (23) was identified by head coach Aaron Mauger and forwards coach Leota Filo Tiatia at the World Rugby Pacific Combine in Suva.
“Miracle is a natural leader who exudes humility, respect and tautua (service),’’ Mauger said.
"He has represented Samoa in sevens so has a solid fitness foundation, a high work rate and is hard-nosed. He isn’t afraid to put his head in to dark places and has a very high ceiling.’’
Moana Pasifika will again have two talismans in the form of Wallabies veterans Sekope Kepu and Christian Leali’ifano, among 28 players with test experience.
The campaign starts with the Battle of the Pacific against the Fijian Drua on February 25.
Moana Pasifika is also primed to host the Reds in Apia on April 14.
"To connect, serve and inspire our people in the islands is at the forefront of everything we do,’’ Mauger said.
"It’s an exciting opportunity for everyone involved and hopefully the first of many trips to the Pacific."
Moana Pasifika
The squad
Forwards: Abraham Pole, Alamanda Motuga, Alex McRobbie, Chris Apoua, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Isi Tu’ungafasi, Jack Lam, Joe ‘Apikotoa, Lotu Inisi, Luteru Tolai, Mahonri Ngakuru, Michael Curry, Mike McKee, Miracle Fai’ilagi, Penitoa Finau, Ray Niuia, Samiuela Moli, Samuel Slade, Sekope Kepu, Sione Tu’ipulotu, Solomone Funaki, Taukiha’amea Koloamatangi.
Backs: Anzelo Tuitavuki, Christian Leali’ifano, D’Angelo Leuila, Danny Toala, Ereatara Enari, Fine Inisi, Henry Taefu, Jonathan Taumateine, Levi Aumua, Lincoln McClutchie, Lolagi Visinia, Manu Paea, Neria Foma’i, Tima Fainga’anuku, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tomasi Alosio, William Havili.
