(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Moana Pasifika fell 36-17 to the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday night. It wasn’t the result the team were hoping for after a successful few weeks, but there were some key learnings that they can take from it.
Here are some takeaways from the match.
Blues are defending champs for a reason
The Blues may have had a slow start to the 2025 season, but their performance against Moana Pasifika showed why they won the Super Rugby Pacific title last year.
Their playmaker Beauden Barrett was influential in leading the Blues around the park and has been a welcome return. They dominated the set piece, were composed and pulled apart Moana’s defence.
Blues dominate collisions
Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu, along with his powerful peers Dalton Papali’i and Ricky Riccitelli dominated the collisions and prevented Moana Pasifika from progressing on attack.
They stayed aggressive not allowing the visitors to play the fast and creative game they’re known for.
Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
Moana Pasifika loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa has been a revelation for the team this season, coming in as an injury replacement and playing a major role in the team’s starting lineup.
He has shown every week his incredible work ethic and reliability in tough moments. He showcased this once again against the Blues, with his determination to get across the try-line for Moana Pasifika’s first points in the 31st minute.
The 21-year-old currently leads the competition in carries with 124, and has been since the beginning of the season. The sky is the limit for the rising star who is just getting started.
Miracle Faiilagi
Miracle will continue to do miraculous things. Faiilagi has been a standout performer for Moana Pasifika, using his tremendous physical presence to disrupt at the breakdown and rack up points.
He crossed the line for his team’s second try in the second half. Faiilagi goes about his business and is consistent. As Moana Pasifika go back to the drawing board and prepare for two games at home over the next few weeks, Faiilagi will be a pivotal part of getting the team back on track.
What the teams said about the match
Moana Pasifika head coach, Fa’alogo Tana Umaga
“We were outmuscled today, it’s pretty obvious. We had a plan and they pressured us and we went away from it. It’s hard when you’re playing against the reigning champions and we’re trying to play their game against them. We didn’t get enough go forward for ourselves to get our game going.”
Blues head coach, Vern Cotter
“I think our discipline was key to making sure they didn’t get access into our half because of their power game. They got into our 22 once and scored in the first half so we were very conscious of that.”
“I recognised the team a little bit more out there today, felt that they were better connected and there was purpose about what we were trying to do.”
ENDS
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