Moses Leota is excited about the upcoming clash against Samoa, where he will reunite with his former Panthers teammate James Fisher-Harris. The two Kiwi forwards are preparing for a fierce showdown against a formidable Samoan pack led by the likes of Payne Haas. The match at Go Media Stadium on Sunday promises to be a high-octane encounter, heavily influenced by the strength of the forward packs.
Leota and Fisher-Harris will be part of a strong Kiwi lineup also featuring celebrated players like Joe Tapine, Briton Nikora, and Isaiah Papali’i. On the opposite side, Haas is joined by a Samoan squad that boasts heavyweights such as Josh Papalii, Junior Paulo, and Jeremiah Nanai. With both teams fielding over two tonnes of talent, the physical confrontation among these front-rowers is likely to play a vital role in determining the match’s outcome.
“It’s always a pleasure to step on the field with my bro [Fisher-Harris],” Leota noted, expressing his anticipation for this significant matchup. He emphasized the stacked nature of both teams, which includes some of the best talents in rugby, making this face-off particularly engaging.
The stakes are high, as the winner of this match will secure a strong advantage in their quest for a spot in the Pacific Championships final scheduled at CommBank Stadium on November 9. Samoa has a slight weight advantage with their starting lineup tipping the scales at 649kg compared to New Zealand’s 607kg, suggesting a potentially grueling battle in the scrum.
Both teams have options on the bench that could make a substantial difference. New Zealand’s bench includes 115kg players such as Nelson Asofa-Solomona and others, while Samoa retains a 7kg edge with their substitutes like Chanel Harris-Tavita and others.
The remarkable depth of talent in both squads is underscored by the players who have failed to make the final 17. For New Zealand, the likes of Scott Sorensen and promising newcomer Xavier Willison will miss out, while Spencer Leniu is unavailable due to personal reasons.
Remarkably, each side has four players who have been recognized in the Dally M Team of the Year during their careers, with Haas recently clinching the prestigious Prop of the Year accolade. His decision to represent Samoa mirrors a growing trend of Pacific Island players choosing to play for their heritage nations, further adding excitement and intensity to the upcoming contest.
Reflecting on Haas’s impact, Samoan coach Ben Gardiner remarked on the inspiration he brings to the team, highlighting the privilege of coaching a player with his caliber. Such recognition adds layers to the competitive atmosphere surrounding Sunday’s match, as both teams approach the game with determination and a shared sense of community pride.
As anticipation builds within the rugby circles, fans can expect a thrilling contest marked by athleticism and strategic gameplay, showcasing the cultural identities of both teams. The collision of such elite talent on the field encapsulates the spirit of Pacific rugby, promising an unforgettable day for players and supporters alike.