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As a long rugby season draws to a close on the fifth night of summer, Moana Pasifika has just started a long awaited rugby journey.
At Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday night, one end of the spectrum will see the Māori All Blacks and all of their historical history, but, in near perfect reflection, going up against them will be the composite side of the Pacific, under the banner. of the entity that is programmed to join the professional scene.
It is understood that Moana Pasifika is New Zealand Rugby’s Pacific Islands representative of choice for a renewed Super Rugby 2022 competition, and although the players and coaches in action this weekend may or may not be the same as some that will eventually be join the ranks of the entity, these are nonetheless some important tentative first steps for the organization.
Phil Walter / Getty Images
Michael Alaalatoa will be captain of Moana Pasifika on Saturday night and he said the players have learned a lot about their team’s cultures.
“One hundred percent”, was the response of coach Tana Umaga when asked Things if this was an opportunity to get the ball rolling in style.
“We have been knocking on this door since the days of Sir Bryan Williams and the days of Sir Michael Jones. And now it has finally opened. So this group understands how important and how huge it is to us. “
Umaga said that as naturally competitive people, a good result would be important on Saturday night, but that there was also almost greater responsibility in the way they approached the game.
“We want to do a demonstration of Pacific Island rugby so we have to make sure we get it right.”
So in this unique display, even with a wet weather forecast, one shouldn’t expect a series of set pieces and kicks. Although captain Michael Alaalatoa, a mainstay, of course, was not entirely prepared to completely eliminate the scrum.
“Almost all of us on this team have grown up playing in New Zealand, so we want to be smart about the way we play, and if there are aspects of the game where we need to go back to what we know, which is what I’ve learned here in New Zealand , then we will, “he said Things.
Phil Walter / Getty Images
All Black Josh Ioane from a test will run the cutter for Moana Pasifika’s side in the first five eighths.
“We are not here to be content with losing. We are here to win. But I think what we want to hang our hat with is to do a performance that our people are proud of.
“We are emptying the tank and giving this game everything we have. It’s our last game of the year, but also, at the same time, it’s the first game for this team.
“So we want to start this team at the top and hopefully we can build some momentum in the plans for this team going forward.”
While rugby will bring the team together at kick-off, a central aspect of the team’s preparation has been their non-rugby-related work, where they have spent a lot of time connecting from the paddock, assisted by their own cultural advisor, who has them told stories about how Pacific Islanders migrated between islands and eventually made their way to New Zealand.
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Michael Ala’alatoa will lead the Pasifika team for the first time when they face the Māori All Blacks this Saturday.
“It’s important for us to learn a little about our own cultures, but also about the cultures of other kids, and see the similarities and differences. So that has been powerful, ”Alaalatoa said.
The skipper also revealed that they have prepared a pre-match single-match challenge for the occasion, the Tau Kaukauwa, which will integrate the cultures of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga.
It’s been an equally unique week for the Māori All Blacks, too, with coach Clayton McMillan apologizing Thursday for a hoarse voice, thanks to the importance the team places on singing and haka practice, with soccer somewhat secondary.
Like Moana Pasifika, they also feature a team with many youngsters entering the back of the quality Miter Cup 10, and are delighted to get at least one hit in the year, after the 1-1 series of the year. spent at home and away. result against Fiji.
“Each and every one of these guys is excited to come out and represent our culture with a lot of mana,” McMillan said.
“It is great that the Pasifika team had the opportunity to play in an important match like this. It has been a difficult year and this is a great way for everyone in New Zealand to celebrate rugby at the highest level. “
Take a look
Māori All Blacks v Pacific Ocean
FMG Waikato Stadium, Hamilton
Saturday, 7.05pm
All black Maori: Caleb Trask, Shaun Stevenson, Billy Proctor, Quinn Tupaea, Sean Wainui, Otere Black, Bryn Hall, Liam Messam, Billy Harmon, Whetukamokamo Douglas, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Marcel Renata, Ash Dixon (c), Josh Hohneck. Bookings: Kurt Eklund, Dark Racket-Stones, Boy Williams, Ethan Roots, Mitchell Karpik, Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Rameka Poihipi, Jonah Lowe.
Pacific Ocean: Stephen Nabi, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Fetuli Paea, Vince Aso, Salesi Rayasi, Josh Ioane, Folau Fakatava, Pita Gus Sowakula, Alamanda Motuga, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Gerard Cowley-Tuioti, Michael Alaalatoa (c ), Leni Apisai, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Bookings: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Jordan Lay, Sione Mafileo, Samipeni Finau, Nasi Manu, Dwayne Polataivao, Asaeli Tikoirotuma, Etene Nanai-Seturo.
