Stags pair to make Super Rugby debuts
They are significant selections for both Michael Manson and Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa in their respective rugby journeys.
Southland Stags players Michael Mason and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa are in line to make their Super Rugby debuts in round one of the 2025 Super Rugby season.
Manson has been named to start on the right wing in the Highlanders’ season opener against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney on Friday night.
While Tupou Ta’eiloa has been named on the Moana Pasifika bench for its first competition outing against the Western Force on Saturday.
They are significant selections for both Southland players in their respective rugby journeys.
Manson was one of the final players to pick up a Highlanders contract after the 2024 NPC season. It came on the back of a few seasons with Southland where he has shown he has a point of difference with his sheer pace.
Manson’s Stags captain and fellow starting Highlander, Sean Withy, was pleased for the new Highlander.
“I’ve been really impressed with Michael. I played against him at school and a few age grade reps through 20s and 19s, and now down at the Stags.
“I’ve been impressed with him coming in and getting all the detail. He is always taking notes, having conversations with coaches and players, and that has showed in the first two performances he has put out.
“You see a lot of growth in his game and his understanding and then pair that with his sublime speed.
“I can’t wait to run out with him for his debut on Friday night.”
No 8 Tupou Ta’eiloa missed out on a Super Rugby contract at the end of the 2024 NPC season. Although Rugby Southland worked with Moana Pasifika to get the 21-year-old an opportunity to train with the Auckland-based team through the preseason as development opportunity.
The hope was Tupou Ta’eiloa might impress enough to extend his stay and that is just what has happened, to the point he is now days away from some Super Rugby game time.
Tupou Ta’eiloa was initially scheduled to return to Southland in March to line up for Star in Southland’s club competition. However it is understood he will now remain with Moana Pasifika in Auckland.
Meanwhile fellow Stags looseforward Sean Withy has been named to start in the No 7 jersey for the Highlanders, and as expected Ethan de Groot will start at loosehead prop.
de Groot will be joined in the tight-five by fellow Stag Mitch Dunshea who will wear the No 5 jersey for the Highlanders.
To round out the Stags players lining up in week one of the Super Rugby season, Sevu Reece will start on the wing for the Crusaders against the Hurricanes on Friday night.