Moana Pasifika has unveiled its new heritage jersey paying homage to the iconic 2004 Pacific Islanders team, made up of players from Samoa, Fiji and Tonga.
The jersey is a replica of the one worn by the Pacific Islanders who played the All Blacks at North Harbour Stadium, which is now the home base for Moana Pasifika.
It brings back special memories for Moana Pasifika Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga and Backs Coach Vaovasamanaia Seilala Mapusua.
Umaga was Captain of the All Blacks at the time while Mapusua was part of the Pacific Islanders squad.
Moana Pasifika Board Director La’auli Savae Sir Michael Jones was also an Assistant Coach for the Pacific side.
“When we got together for that campaign, we talked about shocking the world,” Mapusua said.
“We were sick of beating each other up in terms of our Pacific nations, and we finally got the chance to have a crack at the Wallabies, All Blacks and Springboks.”
“We never thought we would have our own team. To see this full circle moment come around, it will be pretty special for our people.”
Legends Sitiveni Sivivatu and the late Sione Lauaki were part of the Pacific team before they were selected for the All Blacks.
Now Ardie Savea, the first current All Black to sign with Moana Pasifika will get to wear the jersey and represent his Samoan heritage.
Umaga remembers the game vividly. “They gave us a fright, I think some of our players still have nightmares about that day,” Umaga said.
“The mindset is the same with our boys that are here. We still want to shock people. [It’s the] passing of the baton from one generation to the next.”
“Now our boys will get to represent them and remember our past.”
Moana Pasifika will wear the heritage jersey in multiple fixtures that are yet to be revealed.
ENDS
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