“Our respect for who we are, our faith and culture; to see that all coming together, it touches the heart” Faalogo Tana Umaga.
A sellout crowd at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday afternoon set the tone for the Battle of the Pacific.
The only two pasifika teams in Super Rugby, Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua battling it out for bragging rights in their rivalry, but more importantly for their pride for their Pasifika cultures.
The game certainly delivered to its hype with both teams bringing their best game and also their physicality. Moana edged past their Fijian brothers this time with a 34-15 win.
After the match, both teams huddled together on field, singing hymns and getting together in a word of prayer. Reflecting on it at the post match press conference, Moana coach Faalogo Tana Umaga stated that it was a special moment seeing it unfold.
“It was very emotional when I saw them in the circle” Falogo said.
“We’ve come a long way and I think everyone sees it in terms of what we’re both achieving and what we’re trying to do as both clubs in forging a way ahead for our people”
Captain Ardie Savea also touched on the importance of the match and being able to share that special moment at the end with the Fijian Drua.
“We’re very similar upbringing with all our cultures, and it was just a nice opportunity to say thank you to our Drua brothers and their families and vice versa, and then give thanks to Jesus in the end” the captain said.
The loss for the Drua was not the result they were looking for, but it was a moment to celebrate with their Moana brothers.
Captain Mesulame Dolokoto said although their Moana rivals got “bragging rights” this year, it was a pleasure to share their cultures and faith together afterwards.
“For us in the islands, we’re big in our faith and also religious. So to have that in the end means a lot and it was a special feeling” Dolokoto said.
“We do this in all our games with the other teams but to have it with Moana Pasifika is really special”
Drua now sit at the bottom of the table, and are hoping to make a major turnaround for the next games to get any chance of advancing through to the playoffs.
As for Moana, there is some hope from their win on Saturday, but it will be an uphill battle with some tough opponents left for the season.
Ardie Savea said “ This week is important for us, but we will just take it one step at a time”
