With a tough first round assignment against University, the Pakuranga prems will travel across the Panmure Bridge tomorrow with a fresh-looking team to kick off 2024.

No less than ten debutants are scattered across the match day 23, with four local school leavers getting a chance to make their mark and several new faces to Auckland club rugby set to don the majestic green and orange hoops. 

In the front row, familiar face Fin Simpson will pack down at tighthead with Moses Hafoka starting at hooker. They are joined by Oscar Cowley-Andrea in his premier debut. Oscar returns to east Auckland after completing his studies in Dunedin where he played for the Highlanders Under 20s.

An experienced second row sees Sanele Williams and Cam Finefeuaki as the locking pair, between them they have more than 80 premier caps so will add real grit to the forward pack.

An exciting loose forward trio features Sione Takai in the number 7 jersey who captains the team. Takai played for the Moana Pasifika Bs during pre-season and comes into the club season in good knick. 

He is joined by Randall Baker, who led the Botany 1st XV to their 1B title last year and has just finished up with the Blues Under 20 campaign and Setefano Leavasa who joins the Ranga by way of Counties Manukau and has seven NPC caps to his name.

There is only one new face in the starting backline – Harlyn Saunoa on debut on the wing, his first year out of Botany College. Saunoa played for the Barbarians at the recent Super Rugby Under 20 competition. 

He’ll form a potent back three with Sione Fifita at fullback and Paula Maama on the other wing. Brothers Tane and Pasqualle Dunn combine in the midfield while Micky van Wyk and Riley Harrison start at nine and ten respectively.

Another school-leaver looking to debut off the beach is former Sacred Heart hooker Lotu Finau, while Paula Fatafehi is also in line for his Pakuranga debut, joining the club from Dargaville. Mercy Tia who was a member of the championship-winning Under 21s in 2023 is also on the bench.

Reynhardt Shutte and George Sims who have made their way to the Ranga by way of Waikato and Wellington respectively will debut off the bench. Sims looks to be an exciting prospect, having played Wellington age group and Bs representative rugby. 

Marc Holzer will add his impact when he joins the game, while Tremain Little returns to Pakuranga after playing in Harbour last year, he has also previously played Fiji Under 20s. Rounding out the bench is another potential debutant in Cruiz Overend, the 2023 Howick College 1st XV captain will look to add a spark to the backline should he join the game.

1.    Oscar Cowley-Andrea
2.    Moses Hafoka
3.    Fin Simpson
4.    Sanele Williams
5.    Can Finefeuiaki
6.    Setefano Leavasa
7.    Sione Takai
8.    Randall Baker
9.    Micky van Wyk
10.    Riley Harrison
11.    Paula Maama
12.    Pasqualle Dunn
13.    Tane Dunn
14.    Harlyn Saunoa
15.    Sione Fifita

16.    Lotu Finau
17.    Paula Fatafehi
18.    Mercy Tia
19.    Reynhardt Schutte
20.    Marc Holzer
21.    George Sims
22.    Tremaine Little
23.    Cruiz Overend
 

Article added: Friday 05 April 2024