“No one was expecting us to win. We came here and did the job” (Ardie Savea)
The Super Rugby Pacific competition has so far provided some major upsets and results. And it was no different in Christchurch over the weekend as Moana Pasifika fully dismantled the Crusaders with a 45-29 win.
But does this result fall into the category of upsets, or are we as a rugby nation undermining the capability of Moana Pasifika? One thing for sure is that Moana demands the respect they deserve.
Right from the get go, it was clear that the Crusaders were fielding a more younger side, resting a couple of their key players for the matchup. Coach Rob Penney said that it was an opportunity for him to test out the depth of their squad.
The plan must have backfired because at half time Moana was ahead 28-10, and immediate changes were made to the Crusaders side for the second half.
“We’re certainly going to go back and revisit where we were planning to go with our selections” Penney said.
“We felt we had set the group up this week as a coaching team and along with the leaders to make sure we respect them. That was coming and we did prepare for it, but somewhere it went awry’
Moana’s outstanding performance is no surprise, as they have shown glimpses throughout the season just how dangerous they were.
It was only a matter of time before they clicked and performed in a full 80 minute match, which they showed with wins over the Hurricanes and now the Crusaders.
Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea spoke about the team’s belief despite everyone writing them off.
“We kind of knew no one was expecting us to win, so the message was for the boys just to jam and play with nothing to lose. We certainly did that tonight. We came here, did the job, and I’m just proud of the boys. They deserve everything that comes their way.” Savea said.
Coach Faalogo Tana Umaga highlighted what they had worked on as a side to get them performing a 80 minute masterclass.
“We talked about the fight and spirit within the team, and if we could match that with a 80 minute effort and just executing our plan we know we can compete with the best” Faalogo said
“Beliefs a big thing for us and we’re hoping it just grows and gets better for us”
The belief is strong and growing in the side with individuals stepping up to lead from the front for Moana.
Ardie was instrumental as always for the side, making a return to the team after missing out in last week’s match with the Chiefs.
The captain dotted down for two tries that elevated their lead in the first 20 minutes of the first half.
Opposite him in the other loose forward role was Samoan import Miracle Fai’ilagi who now in his third season has shown that he is a major threat for the opposition.
Fai’ilagi also scored a try and was causing ruckus for the Crusaders forward pack.
Another instrumental figure for Moana and who has also put his name for the signing of the season in playmaker Patrick Pellegrini.
The Tongan international has been consistently outstanding the past few weeks, guiding his team across the park but also with his pin point accuracy kicking.
Moana gear up this weekend against the Waratahs back home at North Harbour Stadium.
