Preseason: Chiefs v Moana Pasifika

[Bovidae]

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae said in Super Rugby 2023:

[Bovidae]

Like all teams, the Chiefs have a number of WTG and NDC players involved. I wonder if Ryan is in NZ?

No Moli, Reihana, Wrampling or Punivai.

[Stargazer]

So, in the Moana Pasifika's WTG are:

Jonah Mau'u (Northland)
Pita Anae Ah Sue (Waikato)
Suetena Asomua (Counties)
Potu Leavasa (Manawatū)
Riley Hohepa (Counties)
Paula Latu (Southland)
Hamdahn Tuipulotu (Auckland)
Jay Fonokalafi (North Harbour)
Sam Wye (Auckland)
Faletoi Peni (Manukau Rovers?)

Unavailable due to injury: Tima Fainga’anuku (concussion), Mike McKee (shoulder), Alamanda Motuga (shoulder), Niko Jones (knee), Jonathan Taumateine (Hamstring), Lotu Inisi (ankle), Ray Niuia (neck), Henry Taefu (sick), Sekope Kepu (achilles), Jack Lam (ankle), Penitoa Finau (foot)

Media release about the preseason game and team naming:

Moana Pasifika will tackle their first preseason game against the Gallagher Chiefs this Friday 10th February in an intimate setting. – Moana Pasifika

[Steven Harris]

@Stargazer Faletoi Peni was the standout First five in Auckland club rugby last year , had a massive influence on Manukau who went on to win the 2022 Gallagher Shield .
Still staggered that Simon Hickey was rated ahead Peni.

[Stargazer]

@Bovidae said in Super Rugby 2023:

Like all teams, the Chiefs have a number of WTG and NDC players involved. I wonder if Ryan is in NZ?

No Moli, Reihana, Wrampling or Punivai.

I can't answer that question, but I just read that he has re-signed with Munster for the 2023/24 season.

[Bovidae]

There will be a live stream of the Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs game on the MP YouTube channel.

[Winger]

@Bovidae

McKenzie at FB. Might be a pointer to the coaches plans

[Crucial]

@Winger said in Super Rugby 2023:

@Bovidae

McKenzie at FB. Might be a pointer to the coaches plans

See Chiefs thread.

[Crucial]

You have to wonder about the value of some of these pre-season games when so many of the obvious first team starters are absent. Is it just so the dirty dirtys can say they played in the jersey?

[Bovidae]

A scratchy first 20 mins from both MP and the Chiefs. The Chiefs lead 5-0 from a try to Finau in the last minute. PGS playing like he already has a foot on the plane.

[Bovidae]

DMac at 1st 5 for the 2nd quarter.

[Bovidae]

PGS must have heard my criticism as he had a much better 2nd quarter including a try from a 5 m scrum. ENS scored a try and then set up Coombes-Fabling from a goal line turnover right on HT. The Chiefs have won a lot of breakdown penalties/turnovers.

26-0 to the Chiefs at HT.

[Yeetyaah]

Pretty average live stream but what can ya do. At least there's commentary.

[Bovidae]

@Yeetyaah Only one camera. He does Waikato club rugby games. Misidentified some players as well. Lennox was on the field at the end, not Weber. Plenty of other subs used too. Good to see Alaimalo back on the field.

[Yeetyaah]

Ratima looks pretty good. Quick to the rucks and smooth passing.

[Bovidae]

Slater and Sititi stuffed that up.

Poor old Simon Parker. I know he's been out for a while but that's him not Norris playing.

38-7 at 3Q time.

[Bovidae]

ENS and Narawa have looked sharp. The likely starting wingers?

[Bovidae]

FT is Chiefs 48 - 7 MP.

Some Chiefs players didn't get much time on the field.

[cliff]

@Bovidae malimali looked dangerous on the few occasions he was given the ball could be useful