Last Saturday, Moana Pasifika for the first time in history claimed back to back wins with a massive victory over the Waratahs.
After a convincing win over the Crusaders a week earlier, Moana came into the Waratahs clash with some confidence especially with a historic back to back win feat within their grasp.
It wasn’t an easy job however with the Waratahs putting on a solid performance in the first half to pile on a 21-7 lead at half time. A spirited second half comeback from Moana however was far too good for the visitors, lifting the home side to their 45-28 win.
Spirited is a fitting term to describe not only the comeback but the journey Moana Pasifika has made this year.
Their belief in themselves as a team is something that comes hand in hand with their christian faith which they showcase fearlessly.
After their loss against the Highlanders in round 3, Ardie Savea concluded the post match press conference with a prayer. In his words, “we start with God and end with God as a team.”
A week later they clinched their first victory over the Hurricanes, and a couple of weeks later, began their back to back wins over the Crusaders and Waratahs.
At the press conference after the Waratahs match, Savea once again emphasised the team journey being guided by their faith.
“A lot of people doubted us but the one person that believed in us was God,” Savea said
“And I always mention it; we start with him and we finish with him and I feel like he’s taken us to levels we can’t comprehend.”
This weekend, Moana will face the Blues at Eden Park in what would be a chance for them to notch up three wins in a row for the first time.
And the timing of the match also aligns with the Pasifika Rugby Hall of Fame dinner in which head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga will be one of the seven inductees.
But for now, Savea is not too fixated on the match and the celebrations around it but rather, to focus on their journey.
“We haven’t arrived at our destination. Yes we won back to back but our goals as leaders is to strive for excellence.”
“We don’t know where that can take us, but all we can do each day is turn up and be better.”
