It was a party atmosphere on the North Shore as Moana Pasifika played their first game at home, losing a close clash 31-29 to the Highlanders.
From the Island drummers welcoming fans through the gate, to the cheers from the 6000 people echoing across the stadium, the game highlighted a celebration of family, diversity, history and Pasifika excellence.
Home is where the heart is and the local community welcomed Moana Pasifika with open arms.
Here are some highlights from the team’s debut on the Shore.
Moana Pasifika Captain Ardie Savea put up a dominant performance in his first home game for the side, with some mammoth carries and winning multiple breakdown turnovers.
He scored an incredible try in the second half, leaping up for a high ball and running through the Highlanders defence to get across the line.
Savea led with action and you could see the impact he was having on his teammates who gained inspiration from his efforts.
Jim returns
One of the best player’s in the competition, Highlanders co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai returned to Auckland for the first time to play against his former team.
He was a menace with the ball in hand and strong in the breakdown battle. The talented back went toe-to-toe with Savea throughout the game making for a incredible spectacle.
“He’s pretty scary, a few times he looked at me and ran it straight,” Ardie explained. “You really felt his Fijian power. It’s awesome to see Jim the bruss doing his thing.”
‘Ikale Tahi fly half Patrick Pellegrini and Counties Manukau MVP Tevita Ofa earned their first Super Rugby caps off the bench, running on and making a statement.
Pellegrini kicked two successful conversions and was influential in the last quarter of the match, making smart plays and showcasing glimpses of flair.
It was awesome to see the fusion of many rich cultures come to life. The Highlanders performed a spine-tingling Haka pre-match led by Saula Ma’u.
Moana Pasifika also unveiled the Tau Moana, their new pre-match war challenge led by Danny Toala. It represents the players as the guardians of the ocean which connects all of the Pacific Islands.
A variation of the team’s former challenge the ‘Fa’avae’ which was more of a welcome.
The hosts also went back into time, wearing a replica of the jerseys that the Pacific Islanders team wore when they played the All Blacks at the same stadium in 2004.
After the game Savea said: “We celebrate culture everyday in this team. It’s been really beautiful for me being New Zealand born, growing up in New Zealand to be alongisde Pasifika brothers, learning a lot of things this week.”
“It’s really important to get back to your roots. For the Highlanders, it’s the most Islanders we’ve had in the team’s history. To come play Moana Pasifika in their fale it was great.”
We’re 0-3 that’s not something that I’m proud of. I want to be better, this team wants to be better.”
“It was pretty emotional, we’re not only playing for ourselves but for our people. For this team to be able to play the game and unite people. It was pretty special coming out of our huddle when we’ve scored points and we can hear [the fans] singing and chanting. It really lifts our spirits.
NEXT HOME GAME
Moana Pasifika is at home again next week against the Hurricanes. You won’t want to miss it. Make sure you’ve got your seat locked in!
ENDS
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