Moana Pasifika vs NZ Maoris

[stemoc]

so a team very likely to be added to Super Rugby in 2022 (along with a fiji team) named their team to play the NZ Maoris on December 5th

Forwards: Alamanda Motuga (Counties Manukau, Tonga), Daniel Lienert-Brown (Canterbury, Highlanders, Samoa), Gerard Cowley-Tuioti (North Harbour, Blues, Samoa), Jordan Lay (Bay of Plenty, Bristol, Samoa), Leni Apisai (Auckland, Samoa/Tuvalu), Marino Mikaele-Tu'u (Hawkes Bay, Highlanders, Samoa), Michael Alaalatoa (Manawatu, Crusaders, Samoa), Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Wellington, Chiefs, Samoa), Nasi Manu (Otago, Tonga), Pita Gus Sowakula (Taranaki, Chiefs, Fiji), Samipeni Finau (Waikato, Tonga) Samisoni Taukieaho (Waikato, Chiefs, Tonga), Sione Mafielo (North Harbour, Blues, Tonga), Zane Kapeli (Bay of Plenty, Tonga).

Backs: Asaeli Tikoroituma (North Harbour, Fiji), Dwyane Polataivao (Tasman, Utah Warriors, Samoa), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau, Chiefs, Samoa), Fetuli Paea (Tasman, Highlanders Tonga), Folau Fakatava (Hawke's Bay, Highlanders, Tonga), Jone Macilai (Northland, Fiji), Josh Ioane (Otago, Highlanders, NZ/Samoa), Leicester Fainga'anuku (Tasman, Crusaders, Tonga), Salesi Rayasi (Auckland, Hurricanes, Fiji/Samoa), Stephen Perofeta (Taranaki, Blues, Samoa), Tomasi Alosio (Wellington, Samoa), Vince Aso (Wellington, Hurricanes, Samoa)

the cream of the Mitre10 players that aren't currently playing for NZ or the PI and does not have Maori ancestry.. this game might be more entertaining than the Dull 6Nations + Georgia currently happening up north

[Gumboot]

so a team very likely to be added to Super Rugby in 2022 (along with a fiji team) named their team to play the NZ Maoris on December 5th

Forwards: Alamanda Motuga (Counties Manukau, Tonga), Daniel Lienert-Brown (Canterbury, Highlanders, Samoa), Gerard Cowley-Tuioti (North Harbour, Blues, Samoa), Jordan Lay (Bay of Plenty, Bristol, Samoa), Leni Apisai (Auckland, Samoa/Tuvalu), Marino Mikaele-Tu'u (Hawkes Bay, Highlanders, Samoa), Michael Alaalatoa (Manawatu, Crusaders, Samoa), Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Wellington, Chiefs, Samoa), Nasi Manu (Otago, Tonga), Pita Gus Sowakula (Taranaki, Chiefs, Fiji), Samipeni Finau (Waikato, Tonga) Samisoni Taukieaho (Waikato, Chiefs, Tonga), Sione Mafielo (North Harbour, Blues, Tonga), Zane Kapeli (Bay of Plenty, Tonga).

Backs: Asaeli Tikoroituma (North Harbour, Fiji), Dwyane Polataivao (Tasman, Utah Warriors, Samoa), Etene Nanai-Seturo (Counties Manukau, Chiefs, Samoa), Fetuli Paea (Tasman, Highlanders Tonga), Folau Fakatava (Hawke's Bay, Highlanders, Tonga), Jone Macilai (Northland, Fiji), Josh Ioane (Otago, Highlanders, NZ/Samoa), Leicester Fainga'anuku (Tasman, Crusaders, Tonga), Salesi Rayasi (Auckland, Hurricanes, Fiji/Samoa), Stephen Perofeta (Taranaki, Blues, Samoa), Tomasi Alosio (Wellington, Samoa), Vince Aso (Wellington, Hurricanes, Samoa)

the cream of the Mitre10 players that aren't currently playing for NZ or the PI and does not have PI ancestry.. this game might be more entertaining that the Dull 6Nations + Georgia currently happening up north

Any idea when the Maori squad is named?

[Enzedder]

I like that side - a pity the Maori don't have their ABs playing though. Could be a great game if they did but I think MP will be too strong.

[stemoc]

the Maoris can still field a very strong team, thought a few big names were not included in the Moana team but alas the coach is Tana Umaga, he likes his samoans but does not care for fijians lol ..only 4 players of fijian descent in the 26.. but shame, could have added Mako's Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta (might end up with the maori team though), canterbury's Chay Fihaki and Naki's Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens..i hear they will name their team on Thurdsday.. lets see if they can pick some big names, expecting Havili to captain that side

[Ted.]

New Zealand Māori squad to play Moana Pasifika in Hamilton on December 5:

Props: Josh Hohneck (Otago, Ngāti Manuhiri/Ngāti Whātua), Pouri Rakete-Stones (Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes, Ngāpuhi), Marcel Renata (Auckland/Blues, Ngāti Whānaunga/Ngāi Takoto), Tamaiti Williams (Canterbury, Ngāpuhi).

Hookers: Ash Dixon (captain, Hawke’s Bay/Highlanders, Ngāti Tahinga), Kurt Eklund (Bay of Plenty/Blues, Ngāpuhi).

Locks: Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Southland/Highlanders, Ngāti Raukawa), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes, Ngāti Porou).

Loose forwards: Billy Harmon (Canterbury/Crusaders, Ngāi Tahu), Reed Prinsep (Canterbury/Hurricanes, Te Rārawa), Liam Messam (Waikato, Ngāi Tuhoe), Whetukamokamo Douglas (Canterbury/Crusaders, Ngāti Porou/Ngāti Whakaue), Ethan Roots (North Harbour/Crusaders, Ngāti Kahungunu).

Halfbacks: Bryn Hall (North Harbour/Crusaders, Ngāti Ranginui), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Bay of Plenty/Chiefs, Ngāti Pikiao).

First five-eighths: Otere Black (Bay of Plenty/Blues, Ngāi Tuhoe/Te Whānau ā Apanui/Ngāti Tūwharetoa), Fletcher Smith (Waikato/Hurricanes, Ngāti Kahungunu).

Midfield: Billy Proctor (Wellington/Hurricanes, Ngai Te Rangi/Ngāpuhi), Rameka Poihipi (Canterbury, Ngāti Whakaue), Quinn Tupaea (Waikato/Chiefs, Waikato/Tainui).

Outside backs: Sean Wainui (Taranaki/Chiefs, Ngāi Tuhoe/Te Āitanga a Māhaki/Ngā Arikikaiputahi/Ngāti Porou), Shaun Stevenson (North Harbour/Chiefs, Ngāpuhi), Jonah Lowe (Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes, Ngāti Pikiao), Kaleb Trask (Bay of Plenty/Chiefs, Ngāpuhi).

Head coach: Clayton McMillan (Ngāi Te Rangi/Ngāi Tamawhariua/Te Rangaihouhiri).

Assistant coaches: Roger Randle (Ngāti Awa), Tony Brown (Ngāpuhi).

[Gumboot]

New Zealand Māori squad to play Moana Pasifika in Hamilton on December 5:

Props: Josh Hohneck (Otago, Ngāti Manuhiri/Ngāti Whātua), Pouri Rakete-Stones (Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes, Ngāpuhi), Marcel Renata (Auckland/Blues, Ngāti Whānaunga/Ngāi Takoto), Tamaiti Williams (Canterbury, Ngāpuhi).

Hookers: Ash Dixon (captain, Hawke’s Bay/Highlanders, Ngāti Tahinga), Kurt Eklund (Bay of Plenty/Blues, Ngāpuhi).

Locks: Manaaki Selby-Rickit (Southland/Highlanders, Ngāti Raukawa), Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes, Ngāti Porou).

Loose forwards: Billy Harmon (Canterbury/Crusaders, Ngāi Tahu), Reed Prinsep (Canterbury/Hurricanes, Te Rārawa), Liam Messam (Waikato, Ngāi Tuhoe), Whetukamokamo Douglas (Canterbury/Crusaders, Ngāti Porou/Ngāti Whakaue), Ethan Roots (North Harbour/Crusaders, Ngāti Kahungunu).

Halfbacks: Bryn Hall (North Harbour/Crusaders, Ngāti Ranginui), Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi (Bay of Plenty/Chiefs, Ngāti Pikiao).

First five-eighths: Otere Black (Bay of Plenty/Blues, Ngāi Tuhoe/Te Whānau ā Apanui/Ngāti Tūwharetoa), Fletcher Smith (Waikato/Hurricanes, Ngāti Kahungunu).

Midfield: Billy Proctor (Wellington/Hurricanes, Ngai Te Rangi/Ngāpuhi), Rameka Poihipi (Canterbury, Ngāti Whakaue), Quinn Tupaea (Waikato/Chiefs, Waikato/Tainui).

Outside backs: Sean Wainui (Taranaki/Chiefs, Ngāi Tuhoe/Te Āitanga a Māhaki/Ngā Arikikaiputahi/Ngāti Porou), Shaun Stevenson (North Harbour/Chiefs, Ngāpuhi), Jonah Lowe (Hawke’s Bay/Hurricanes, Ngāti Pikiao), Kaleb Trask (Bay of Plenty/Chiefs, Ngāpuhi).

Head coach: Clayton McMillan (Ngāi Te Rangi/Ngāi Tamawhariua/Te Rangaihouhiri).

Assistant coaches: Roger Randle (Ngāti Awa), Tony Brown (Ngāpuhi).

So many class players, this could be a classic.

[stemoc]

and just like that, The Maori team looks stronger on paper now...

[stemoc]

apparently the Maori team was to be named lived on the BREAKDOWN show on PRIME which starts in 30minutes, lets see who they pick to win this game..

[average joe]

Moana, make way, make way!
As a father of two little girls I've watched that film way to many times.

[Niegs]

Looking at the Pasifika side: "Wow, those backs!"

Did a quick skim of the Maori side (without noticing the titles at the front): "Whoa, they're so desperate for backs they've pulled Roger Randle out of retirement!?"

[Monkey Magic]

Moana, make way, make way!
As a father of two little girls I've watched that film way to many times.

All well and good until your 2 year old screams at the crowded supermarket 'oh no, coconuts!'

Especially when you're a skinny white guy living in south auckland

[mrbrownstone]

Likely XVs?

Pasifika:

1. DLB
2. Apisai
3. Alaalatoa
4. Cowley-Tuioti
5. Ah Kuoi
6. MMT
7. Kapeli
8. Sowakula
9. Fakatava
10. Ioane
11. Rayasi
12. Aso
13. Paea
14. Fainga'anuku
15. Perofeta/ENS

Maori:

1. Hohneck
2. Dixon
3. Renata
4. Selby-Rickit
5. Walker-Leawere
6. Prinsep
7. Harmon
8. Douglas
9. Hall
10. Black
11. Wainui
12. Pohipi
13. Tupaea
14. Stevenson
15. Trask

Tough one to call - reckon the Pasifika look slightly stronger, but there's not much in it.

[stemoc]

fainganuku at 13, macilai and rayasi on the wings

[Certain Navigator]

the Maoris can still field a very strong team, thought a few big names were not included in the Moana team but alas the coach is Tana Umaga, he likes his samoans but does not care for fijians lol ..only 4 players of fijian descent in the 26.. but shame, could have added Mako's Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta (might end up with the maori team though), canterbury's Chay Fihaki and Naki's Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens..i hear they will name their team on Thurdsday.. lets see if they can pick some big names, expecting Havili to captain that side

Judging by the absence of both Havilis from the Pasifika squad, it would seem that Umaga has a bigger grudge against Tongans.

[stemoc]

yeah wtf happened? if there is one player deserving to captain a pasifika or maori side, its DAVID..an he was completely ignored by both..also some other star players missing from the pasifika side, surely Koroi and Nareki? if there were 2 standout players for Any team in the Mitre10, it was those 2..Umaga's north island bias is showing...

[Enzedder]

Glad this game is in the Tron. I am definitely in for tickets

[stemoc]

david missing out for either team now is a huge shame, slap yourself silly NZRU..

[mrbrownstone]

New Zealand Māori: Kaleb Trask, Shaun Stevenson, Billy Proctor, Quinn Tupaea, Sean Wainui, Otere Black, Bryn Hall, Liam Messam, Billy Harmon, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Marcel Renata, Ash Dixon (Kāpene), Josh Hohneck.

Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tamaiti Williams, Ethan Roots, Mitchell Karpik, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Rameka Poihipi, Jonah Lowe.

[Enzedder]

Gee, TTT has been on a long slide over the last 2 seasons.

[stemoc]

RIP, Fakatava may have just Goodhue'd himself :(

[stemoc]

MOANA NAMED, Highlanders future 9/10 combo there

[Monkey Magic]

MOANA NAMED, Highlanders future 9/10 combo there

Bugger trying to tackle 6 and 8 all game

[stemoc]

the Mane lives O_O

[Gumboot]

MOANA NAMED, Highlanders future 9/10 combo there

Can't think of anyone more qualified to start the Official Match fred than your good self.

Thanks in advance.

[Ymx]

What time is it being played, not in the OP?

And or channels ? Sky likely to have it?

[Gumboot]

What time is it being played, not in the OP?

And or channels ? Sky likely to have it?

Kick off's at 7:05pm. No idea on channels, sorry.

[stemoc]

someone on facebook mentioned sky nz has them...not sure of broadcast outside of nz though, Fiji will be showing it on free-2-air FBC Sports channel

[Ymx]

What time is it being played, not in the OP?

And or channels ? Sky likely to have it?

Kick off's at 7:05pm. No idea on channels, sorry.

Excellent. Just checked

In UK it’s 6am on Sky Sports Arena which is immediately followed with the Aus v Arg game. Perfect start to the weekend.

[stemoc]

What time is it being played, not in the OP?

And or channels ? Sky likely to have it?

Kick off's at 7:05pm. No idea on channels, sorry.

Excellent. Just checked

In UK it’s 6am on Sky Sports Arena which is immediately followed with the Aus v Arg game. Perfect start to the weekend.

and then 1 hour break before Fiji play Georgia :) (hope the game happens)

[stemoc]

pre-match already started, live on sky sports arena too

http://rwc19.rf.gd/skyarena.html
http://rwc19.rf.gd/foxrugby.html

weepu is fat :P

[Taranaki Snapper]

Loving this pre-match, emotions are running high...

[stemoc]

Weepu lost weight :P

[Gumboot]

pre-match already started, live on sky sports arena too

http://rwc19.rf.gd/skyarena.html
http://rwc19.rf.gd/foxrugby.html

[Carter's Choice]

They should've flown Ray Warren over from Australia to commentate this match, just for the comedic value of his name pronunciations.

[FujiKiwi]

Kane Hames is a good commentator. I take it he’s officially retired as a player? A real shame.

[FujiKiwi]

This Fakatava kid is an amazing talent. He must play for the ABs next year.

[Auckman]

Cracker of a match. Fakatava is a beast

[stemoc]

one thing we learned is hat Perofeta is not a good fullback apart from that one rushing tackle, he has been poor... Blues may need to look fora fullback soon, zarn is too green

[Trapper]

They should've flown Ray Warren over from Australia to commentate this match, just for the comedic value of his name pronunciations.

I find it disappointing rather than comedic, every time he butchers Josh Papalii’s name I want to throw something at the tv.

[Taranaki Snapper]

Amazing!