Moses Leota is eagerly anticipating the upcoming rugby clash against Samoa, where he will reunite with his former Panthers teammate, James Fisher-Harris. The match, set to take place at Go Media Stadium on Sunday, is shaping up to be a high-energy encounter as both teams bring formidable forward packs to the field.
Leota and Fisher-Harris will be part of a powerful Kiwi lineup that includes notable players such as Joe Tapine, Briton Nikora, and Isaiah Papali’i. Facing them will be a robust Samoan side, led by the impressive Payne Haas, and reinforced by heavyweights like Josh Papalii, Junior Paulo, and Jeremiah Nanai. The physical confrontation among these front-rowers will be crucial in determining the match’s outcome, with both teams boasting over two tonnes of talent.
Leota expressed his excitement about playing alongside Fisher-Harris again, stating, “It’s always a pleasure to step on the field with my bro.” He acknowledged the exceptional skill levels within both teams, which include some of the best talents in rugby, making this matchup particularly captivating.
The stakes are high, as Sunday’s winner will gain a significant edge in the race for a spot in the Pacific Championships final, scheduled for November 9 at CommBank Stadium. Samoa holds a slight weight advantage with their starting lineup tipping the scales at 649kg compared to New Zealand’s 607kg, indicating a potentially intense battle in the scrum.
Both teams have formidable options on the bench that could sway the match. New Zealand is buoyed by strong substitutes like Nelson Asofa-Solomona, while Samoa’s bench, featuring players like Chanel Harris-Tavita, adds to their overall weight advantage.
Both squads feature remarkable depth, which is highlighted by players who did not make the final 17. For New Zealand, players such as Scott Sorensen and newcomer Xavier Willison will not participate, while Spencer Leniu is unavailable for personal reasons.
Notably, each team has four players who have earned recognition in the Dally M Team of the Year throughout their careers. Haas has recently been honored as the Prop of the Year, and his decision to represent Samoa reflects a growing trend of Pacific Island players opting to play for their heritage nations, further igniting excitement for this contest.
Samoan coach Ben Gardiner emphasized Haas’s inspiration, noting the privilege of coaching a player of his caliber. This acknowledgment adds to the competitive atmosphere surrounding the match, where both teams are motivated by a shared sense of pride in their cultural identities.
As anticipation builds among rugby fans, the upcoming contest is expected to showcase athleticism and strategic gameplay. The clash of such elite talent will undoubtedly highlight the spirit of Pacific rugby, promising an unforgettable day not just for the players but for supporters as well.