Moana Pasifika's Pepesana Patafilo is tackled by Dallas McLeod of the Crusaders and Noah Hotham of the Crusaders during 2024 Super Rugby Pacific match on 31 May 2024. Photo: John Davidson / www.photosport.nz
Pepesana Patafilo is relishing the opportunities he has had with Moana Pasifika.
The 28-year-old former Hurricanes player said the joy of playing for the North Harbour based franchise club beats any other feeling of playing for any other team.
He told RNZ Pacific on Thursday, he is enjoying every moment with the team and welcomes the challenge he and the players face every week, competing against All Blacks and Wallabies reps in opposing teams.
"It's a special feeling," he said of playing for Moana Pasifika.
"Because there's no other team like Moana, apart from the Drua.
"We are a Pacific Islander team in this competition. There is no islander team in the NRL or , you know, there's no Islander team in the NRL or any other sports around the world.
"So, it's a special feeling. I feel like we're making history, and that's exciting to be a part of, because we're the people's team, and, you know, we play for the people. So it's really a special feeling to be a part of this team."
He has been in impressive for the side so far, appearing in midfield or out on the wings whenever needed.
The former Wellington College student said team spirit is always high, as the players back each other up, while also knowing they are fighting for spots in the match-day 23 every week.
"Honestly I love the challenge. I love the mindset of competing with the best," he revealed.
"I wouldn't have it any other way, that's how I test myself. That's how I challenge myself. I love the competition and I love competing against the best. So that's my whole mindset.
"Within the team we have healthy competition. Like for for us, we just want to see our brothers do well, and whether I'm selected or not, I'll help my brother, I'll set them up to win.
"Really healthy competition, and obviously it's going to push me to be better as well. So I'll say it's exciting and it is challenging, but also rewarding, because it's pushing you to be a better player."
Patafilo will partner former All Black Julian Savea in midfield against the Brumbies at Pukekohe on Saturday afternoon, in a round 10 game of the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
He said " it's nice to be selected".
Pepesana Patafilo of the Wellington Lions Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Start well
Following the team's loss to the Blues at Eden Park last weekend, Pepesana believes Moana Pasifika will need to start well against the Brumbies, if they are to win the clash this weekend.
He referred to the team's historic win over the Crusaders in Christchurch three weeks ago and win they recorded against the Waratahs a week later, as how they would need to perform against the current third-placed team in the Super Rugby standing.
"I think what our focus has been is to start well," he stated.
"We need to start well, and that's me as as well. So I think once we start well, there's the flow on effect from that. So some games have started slow and we had to play catch up.
But I think when we started well, it's paid off. So big emphasis on starting well, starting with a bang."
That is the same message driven out by head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga and club captain Ardie Savea.
The two have continuously stated the importance of the team starting well, being consistent and finishing strong in their matches.
No Ardie
The team will miss captain Ardie this weekend, the All Black given a break to rest after a hectic campaign.
Patafilo said the inspirational captain has done so much for the players and the team through his influence, and although he will have no part to play in the match, the players are ready to lift for him and the team.
"We we have enough experience in the team and enough confidence to go on with without them this week against the Brumbies," he said.
"The way he carries himself, the humility he carries himself with, but also the confidence in himself.
"I think those two and the way he leads is by action, and it's pretty much a come with me attitude, and we know we just follow. So I think the people can see as well the strides we're making because of him. And you know, he needs a rest this week, so he does a lot for us, yeah he's had a lot of influence for us."
Patafilo and the team will be looking forward to getting alot of support from the South Auckland Pacific communities.
He said they are not done yet and ask fans to keep the faith in them and keep believing in the team.
Samoa interest
And as the Super Rugby season nears the end of another season, Pepesana said he is also open to any talks for a shot at the Manu Samoa jersey.
He qualifies because of his Samoan heritage.
"I'd love to play for Samoa," he said.
"I would love to pull that blue jersey on, have never done it before and I would like to put my hands up for that."
But the focus for the meantime is the Brumbies and the team's pending matches in the Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
One Savea returns, as another rests
Meanwhile, 'The Bus', Julian Savea is set to make his 2025 Super Rugby Pacific debut against the Brumbies.
He has been named at inside centre by Moana Pasifika head coach, Umaga.
But his younger brother and squad captain Ardie will not have any part in the game, the All Black rested this week.
The older of the Savea brothers is third all-time for tries scored in Super Rugby, and he will pair Patafilo in midfield.
Tasman Mako front-rower, Monu Moli, will also make his Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench.
The 22-year-old captained the Marlborough Boys College 1st XV and played for the Crusaders and New Zealand Under 20s sides, and joins older brother Samiuela, who has been named at number two for the game.
Sione Havili Talitui will captain this week's team and earns a start at openside flanker, in place of Ardie.
Both him and Julian have missed the first eight rounds of matches because of injuries.
Umaga said they have learned alot from their loss to the Blues last weekend.
"We've taken the learnings from last week and are looking to improve on that against the Brumbies, particularly in staying disciplined and putting up a complete performance," Umaga said.
"We welcome some experience to the starting lineup, while also giving some of our young talent their opportunity. The Brumbies are a quality team and we're looking forward to the challenge they will provide."
Moana Pasifika also welcomes back the prowess of Jonathan Taumateine at halfback, with Patrick Pellegrini starting outside him.
Moana Pasifika v Brumbies
Kick-off: 4:35pm Saturday 19 April
Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
Live blog coverage on RNZ Sport
Moana Pasifika: 1. Abraham Pole, 2. Samiuela Moli, 3. Sione Mafile'o, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Michael Curry, 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Sione Havili Talitui (Captain), 8. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Pat Pellegrini, 11. Kyren Taumoefolau, 12. Julian Savea, 13. Pepesana Patafilo, 14. Fine Inisi, 15. Tevita Ofa; Reserves: 16. Sama Malolo, 17. Monu Moli, 18. Chris Apoua, 19. Samuel Slade, 20. Ola Tauelangi, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 23. Danny Toala
Brumbies: 1. Rhys van Nek, 2. Lachlan Lonergan, 3. Allan Alaalatoa (Captain), 4. Nick Frost, 5. Tom Hooper, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Rory Scott, 8. Tuaina Taii Tualima, 9. Ryan Lonergan, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Corey Toole, 12. David Feliuai, 13. Ollie Sapsford, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Tom Wright; Reserves: 16. Billy Pollard, 17. James Slipper, 18. Feao Fotuaika, 19. Lachlan Shaw, 20. Cadeyrn Neville, 21. Harrison Goddard, 22. Declan Meredith, 23. Hudson Creighton
