Abraham Pole starts at loosehead prop after picking up his fourth try of the season against the Fijian Drua to become the team’s top try-scorer. Ray Niuia will start at hooker and Sekope Kepu will play tighthead prop in his 149th Super Rugby match.
Samuel Slade returns to the team after missing last weekend’s game and combines with Michael Curry at lock. An unchanged loose forward trio of Sione Tu’ipulotu, Solomone Funaki and Henry Time-Stowers complete the forward pack.
A different 9 and 10 combination to last week of Jonathan Taumateine and Christian Leali’ifano will take the field, with Ereatara Enari and Lincoln McClutchie moving to the bench to provide impact.
Danny Toala and Solomone Kata will work together in the midfield and have both been in great form. Tomasi Alosio comes into the match day 23 and will start on the right wing, with Timoci Tavatavanawai retaining his spot on the left wing. William Havili completes the starting team at fullback.
Luteru Tolai comes on to the bench this week and joins Ezekiel Lindenmuth and Joe ‘Apikotoa in the front row replacements. Alex McRobbie and Jack Lam provide lock and loose forward cover, and Henry Taefu provides utility cover for the backs.
Moana Pasifika team to play Queensland Reds on Friday 20 May at 9.45pm NZT at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane:
1. Abraham Pole
2. Ray Niuia
3. Sekope Kepu (c)
4. Michael Curry
5. Samuel Slade
6. Sione Tu’ipulotu
7. Solomone Funaki
8. Henry Time-Stowers
9. Jonathan Taumateine
10. Christian Leali’ifano (vc)
11. Timoci Tavatavanawai
12. Danny Toala
13. Solomone Kata
14. Tomasi Alosio
15. William Havili
Reserves: 16. Luteru Tolai 17. Ezekiel Lindenmuth 18. Joe ‘Apikotoa 19. Alex McRobbie 20. Jack Lam 21. Ereatara Enari 22. Lincoln McClutchie 23. Henry Taefu