Despite a set of losses, Moana Pasifika head coach Faalogo Tana Umaga believes the dream of achieving the top 8 is alive and well.
When former All Black Faalogo Tana Umaga took on the role of head coach this year, he made it clear that their main objective as a club was to achieve a spot in the top 8.
Despite a set of losses, Faalogo still believes that the top 8 dream is still very much alive.
Faalogo says they still have to “fight for the dream” as a collective. “We don’t lose faith in the goal we set out for ourselves.”
“There’s still plenty of games left to achieve that. We know it’s tough, but again we are not giving up on the dream”
“If we had done that as players and our parents had done that then we would never be where we are right now,” says Faalogo.
Part of fighting for their dream is their matchup on Friday night with the Hurricanes in Wellington.
It’s somewhat of a homecoming for Faalogo who is widely regarded as a Hurricanes legend having played most of his Super Rugby days with the club.
Also heading back to familiar stomping grounds is midfielder Julian Savea who originally started his Super Rugby career for the Hurricanes and played a total of 153 games.
After having a rest last week, Savea is back in the midfield pairing joining alongside Henry Taefu. Samiuela Moli will start at hooker while Sione Mafileo will get his chance as prop.
Sione Havili Tui returns to captaincy duties this week at openside flanker with Tom Savage also making a return to the starting lineup at lock.
Jonathan Taumateine earns his first start at halfback for the year pairing up with William Havili as his halves partner.
North Harbour tighthead prop Tevita Langi has the potential to make his Moana Pasifika debut off the bench. Joining him on the reserves is Sama Malolo, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Alamanda Motuga, Aisea Halo, Christian Lealiifano and Anzelo Tuitavuki.
