HIGH HOPES FOR SEASON AHEAD

Moana Pasifika begin their second Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a settled squad and a first home game in Samoa to look forward to.

LAST YEAR:

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC: TWELFTH

Moana Pasifika had very little preparation time ahead of their debut season last year. But due to the spirit and tenacity within the squad, the team was highly competitive and celebrated two historic wins at Mt Smart Stadium over the Hurricanes and Brumbies.

LUCK OF THE DRAW:

First up is a showdown at home against Fijian Drua that should be compulsory viewing for rugby fans everywhere. Matches away in Melbourne, Perth and Canberra follow before a run of home games.

CAMPAIGN PREVIEW:

Continuity is the name of the game for Moana Pasifika. The Auckland-based team has named just one new player, Samoa Sevens star Miracle Fai’ilagi, while four others have upgraded to fulltime contracts: prop Abraham Pole, first-five D’Angelo Leuila, lock Mahonri Ngakuru and loose forward Michael Curry.

Fai’ilagi was in scintillating form last year in front of head coach Aaron Mauger and his assistant Filo Tiatia at the World Rugby Pacific Combine in Fiji. The coaches were so impressed, they offered the 23-year-old a fulltime contract.

“Miracle is a natural leader who exudes humility, respect and tautua (service). He has represented Samoa in Sevens so has a solid fitness foundation, a high work-rate and is hard-nosed. He isn’t afraid to put his head into dark places and has a very high ceiling,” says Mauger.

“D’Angelo spent some time with us last year and we set him some challenges around earning a full contract. He rose to the challenge with yet another outstanding NPC season. He’s a strong ball-carrier, has a strong kicking game and sees space really well,” Mauger said.

The squad boasts an impressive 26 players with international rugby experience for Pacific Island powerhouses Manu Samoa and Tonga. Wallaby veterans Sekope Kepu and Christian Leali’ifano, who made a huge impact on and off the field in last year’s debut season, boost the international player tally to 28.

For Mauger, building on the foundations made in their first season of Super Rugby Pacific was an important consideration when putting his squad together.

“We had a very inexperienced squad last year, which was evidenced by the 32 young men who made their Super Rugby debuts.

“In the past 12 months, we have seen a lot of maturing and development in our players, and you only get that with playing at a high level.

“This year we get an opportunity to go through a full pre-season, whereas last year we only had three weeks. This team harbours so much potential and all 39 contracted men deserve another opportunity to showcase their talent in an uninterrupted season.”

Moana Pasifika begin their 2023 campaign at home, Mt Smart Stadium, against the Fijian Drua in a match dubbed the Battle of the Pacific.

But the match Mauger and his team are possibly looking forward to the most is against the Queensland Reds in Apia, Samoa on April 14.

“In the off-season, we have made a conscious effort to strengthen our connection to the Pacific Islands through establishing tangible pathways,” says Mauger.

“To connect, serve and inspire our people in the islands is at the forefront of everything we do. It’s an exciting opportunity for everyone involved and hopefully the first of many trips to the Pacific.”

WHO’S NEW:

Forwards: Abraham Pole (Otago), Michael Curry (North Harbour), Mahonri Ngakuru (Tasman).

Backs: Miracle Fai’ilagi (Samoan Sevens), D’Angelo Leuila (Waikato).

WHO’S THROUGH:

Forwards: Suetena Asomua (Counties Manukau), Henry Stowers (Benetton), Joe Royal (East Coast), Niko Jones (Auckland), Veikoso Poliniati (Racing 92), Don Lolo (released).

Backs: Solomone Kata (Exeter), Nigel Ah Wong (Bay of Plenty).

Moana Pasifika

Coach: Aaron Mauger

Captain: Sekope Kepu

Home grounds: Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland; Apia Park, Samoa

Website: www.moanapasifika.co.nz

Tickets: moanapasifika.flicket.co.nz

Contact: Mt Smart Stadium, 2 Beasley Avenue, Penrose, Auckland 1061.

Email: info@moanapasifika.co.nz

Team TAB odds: $201.00

Moana Pasifika Squad

FORWARDS:

Sekope Kepu, Isileli Tuungafasi, Joe Apikatoa, Tau Koloamatangi, Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Chris Apoua, Abraham Pole, Ray Niuia, Sam Moli, Luteru Tolai, Mike McKee, Alex McRobbie, Samuel Slade, Jack Lam, Sione Tuipulotu, Solomone Funaki, Penitoa Finau, Lotu Inisi, Sam Slade, Alamanda Motuga, Michael Curry.

BACKS:

Ereatara Enari, Jonathan Taumateine, Manu Paea, Christian Lealifano, D’Angelo Leuila, Lincoln McClutchie, William Havili, Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Henry Taefu, Fine Inisi, Lolagi Visinia, Neria Fomai, Tomasi Alosio, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Tima Fainga’anuku, Anzelo Tuituvuki.