END OF 2nd PERIOD: Moana Pasifika 21-14 Highlanders

END OF 1st PERIOD: Moana Pasifika 7-7 Highlanders

This match will be played as 3 x 30 minute periods.

TEAM NEWS: Highlanders - Jamie Joseph has unveiled an exciting lineup for the Highlanders' first pre-season match of 2025. New faces Josh Bartlett and Sosefo Kautai join experienced-campaigner Henry Bell in the front row, while new recruit Lui Naeata partners veteran Mitchell Dunshea in the second row. It's a familiar loose forward trio in co-captain Hugh Renton, openside Hayden Michaels, and number eight Nikora Broughton, with the 9-10 pairing consisting of Otago's Nathan Hastie and Cameron Millar. Out wide, new recruits Michael Manson and Caleb Tangitau fill the wing spots, while Otago's Jake Te Hiwi and Josh Whaanga form a formidable midfield combination. Slotting in at fullback is the experienced Sam Gilbert. On an extended bench, veterans Daniel Lienert-Brown, Fabian Holland, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, and co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai feature alongside fresh faces in Michael Loft, Veveni Lasaqa, Adam Lennox, and Jack Sexton.

TEAM NEWS: Moana Pasifika - Tana Umaga has named a side littered with fresh faces for the first hit out of the year. Veteran hooker Sama Malolo is joined in the front row by Tito Tuipulotu and Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, while the second row sees Ofa Tauatevalu and Sam Slade pack down together. Miracle Fai'ilagi and Sione Havili-Talitui bring some experience to the flanks, with Southland Stag Semisi Tupou Tailoa getting first crack at the number eight jumper. Moana Pasifika veteran Jonathan Taumateine partners new recruit Jackson Garden-Bachop in the halves, while a new-look midfield sees Lalomilo Lalomilo and Tevita Ofa named. Out wide, Tuna Tuitama slots onto the left wing and Tasman's speedster Kyren Taumoefolau is named on the right, with the reliable William Havili taking the reins at fullback. An extended reserves bench sees a wealth of experience in the form of Chris Apoua, Tom Savage, Julian Savea, Lotu and Fine Inisi, Sione Mafileo, and Michael Curry joined by new-comers in Connor Seve, Patrick Pellegrini, Losi Fililpo, Afa Moleli, and Solomon Alaimalo.

Full lineups now available in the 'Lineups' tab above