Head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga has named an exciting line-up for Moana Pasifika's debut clash against the Māori All Blacks on Saturday.
The side will be led by experienced Crusaders and Manu Samoa prop Michael Alaalatoa, with a line-up boasting 66 total test caps.
Seven players who appeared in Mitre 10 Cup finals last weekend face a quick turnaround, with Hawke's Bay's Marino Mikaele-Tu'u and Folau Fakatava joining Auckland pair Salesi Rayasi and Leni Apisai.
Tasman trio Dwayne Polataivao, Leicester Fainga'anuku and Fetuli Paea have also been selected.
Umaga says the squad has had a good preparation week and was pleased to have a strong pool of talent to select from.
"We think we have picked a team that can do the job, but the reality is that we picked from a strong squad, and we know every player chose to be here and that’s a big deal," says Umaga.
"These guys know how to play rugby, so our focus this week has been on our purpose as a group. This is a really special match and it’s been a very special week.
"We’ve really enjoyed being able to come together with common cultures, common stories and rugby.
"We’re really pleased to name Michael [Alaalatoa] as our captain. On the field, Mike works hard on his rugby and he works hard for any team he’s in.
"He’s a quiet, but formidable figure for the Crusaders and a stalwart for Manawatu. Mike is someone who is a Pasifika man at the heart of him, and I know he and his family were very proud when he was selected for Samoa’s 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan last year."
Moana Pasifika: 1-Daniel Lienert-Brown, 2-Leni Apisai, 3-Michael Alaalatoa, 4-Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, 5-Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 6-Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, 7-Alamanda Motuga, 8-Pita-Gus Sowakula, 9-Folau Fakatava, 10-Josh Ioane, 11-Salesi Rayasi, 12-Vince Aso, 13-Fetuli Paea, 14-Leicester Fainga’anuku, 15-Stephen Perofeta
Reserves: 16-Samisoni Taukie'aho, 17-Jordan Lay, 18-Sione Mafielo, 19-Samipeni Finau, 20-Nasi Manu, 21-Dwyane Polataivao, 22-Asaeli Tikoroituma, 23-Etene Nanai-Seturo
