Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa. Remember that name.
The 21-year-old, originally from the Kaikorai Rugby Club in Otago, is fast becoming a star in the making in the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific competition.
He made his debut for Moana Pasifika against the Western Force in Perth on 15 February.
Since then, the tough loose forward of Tongan heritage, who stands at 185 centimetres tall and weighs 113kg, has played approximately 503 minutes of Super Rugby this year.
He has scored five tries and currently leads the Super Rugby statistics on carries, with 124 so far.
That is ahead of eastalished playes like Langi Gleeson of the Waratahs and Wallabies, Crusaders Will Jordan, an established All Black, tough Chiefs centre Quinn Tupaea, Wallabies prop Angus Bell, and Fijian Drua's Elia Canakaivata.
His combination with the Moana Pasifika loosies has been devastating in most parts of the team's games so far.
But he says he is focused on improving as a player on a weekly basis and pitching in with his share of work to help the team get the results they need.
"I'm pretty hard on myself, and I always look to improve," he told RNZ Pacific.
"Not quite happy with what I'm doing quite yet, but I'm content and I'm not disappointed where I am at."
Moana Pasifika loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa during the Super Rugby Pacific v the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday, 12 April 2025. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
Ta'eiloa said he is focused on the job at hand and helping Moana Pasifika achieve what they had set out to do this year: qualify for the play-offs.
Leading on stats is not on his mind right now.
"I don't really think too much about it. I just want to focus on the team," he said.
"Hopefully, I can perform for the team and all those stuff will come later on.
"I just want to focus on doing my job, and long as I can make an impact, then that's all that matters to me."
Experience
In his last seven games, Ta'eiloa has managed to face some of the biggest names in rugby across Australia and New Zealand.
The step up from playing National Provincial Championship (NPC) rugby has been quick for the player.
But he has taken in the lessons and kept his feet on the ground.
"For me, it's been really shocking," he said.
"Couple years ago, I [was] watching all these guys, looking up to them, hoping some day to be in their shoes, and then getting the chance to play across from them is honestly inspiring.
"But it's the challenge that I like to hold myself up to, so I just want to see where where I'm at, compared to where they are.
"It keeps me competitive and on my toes."
Ardie's talk and walk
One of the biggest influences for him has been Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea.
Ta'eiloa has so much respect for the All Black, who opted to sign with the franchise club this year, leaving the comforts of the Hurricanes, where he had played for years.
He said Savea walks the talk, a big lesson players are learning fast.
"There's a lot [that] Ardie has to [do to] help Moana Pasifika," he said.
"But I think the main thing for me is just how he how he talks the talk and walks the walk, and just how much of a leader he is.
"Knowing things won't go well, and just how he diverts it to back to get everyone in a cool head and just focus on the next job.
"With his presence on the field, just knowing you got Ardie, lifts the players to want to play for the captain, that you know will do anything for you."
Showcase
Ta'eiloa said playing for the team has been an inspiration for him and the players, who have the opportunity to combine and showcase their uniqueness as people of Polynesia.
At the same time, they have learned to compete at the level against some of the best in the world, and inspire younger generations of Pasifika players.
"We want to showcase what we could do as a Moana Pasifika," he said.
"I think our main challenge is just to try to keep everything consistent.
"And we just want to inspire our new generation."
He said the side have been working hard during the week, preparing for their next home game against the Brumbies on Saturday.
It is a 'must-win' game for the team, if they want to secure a top six finish at the end of the competition.
The team dropped to 10th spot, one ahead of the Fijian Drua, following their loss to the Blues last weekend.
Ta'eiloa said the team will need to play their own game and be consistent.
"Nothing really has to change for us. We just need to trust in ourselves a bit more and just believe we can do it," he said.
"And just try and win little moments, I guess, like when things are not going our way. Just try to win little moments, trying to get some momentum.
"If that's not the case then we just have to keep it simple. Nothing flashy."
Since making their debut at North Harbour Stadium against the Highlanders, Moana Pasifika have been attracting rugby fans, those who have come to support them.
They are hopeful fans will also turn up at the Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe on Saturday afternoon to cheer them on.
"We are always grateful for the fans that always come out and support us," he said.
"We always feel it and we're just really grateful and blessed to have such good fans."
Ta'eiloa believes he has had a great start to his Super Rugby career, and is forever grateful that he has his own mates in Savea, Sione Havili Talitu'i, Miracle Failangi and Lotu Inisi all around to help him get better.
