Both teams huddle, after the Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika game at CommBank Stadium, Sydney, in May 2022. Photo: Photosport
Moana Pasifika vs Fijian Drua
4.35pm Saturday 26 April
North Harbour Stadium, Albany.
We'll have live blog updates on RNZ
Moana Pasifika are still fighting to get respect put on their name.
Despite some strong showings in 2025, which has seen them knock over the Hurricanes, Crusaders and Waratahs, coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga said consistency is key to becoming a truly feared force.
"It's not just about doing it now and then. That's what good sides do, and we want to be a good side, but for us we feel that we're still here trying to earn respect."
Umaga said while the fans have got right behind them, he feels other sides don't perceive them as the threat they should.
"I think the public is starting to get in behind us. We see it everywhere we go. I just think for us, consistency is the key. We know we can match it now and then, but we need to make sure that every team that comes to us, feel like they've had a game."
With a Pasifika showdown against the Fijian Drua set for Saturday, Umaga took a moment to reflect on how far things have come.
"I saw something the other day around the very first super rugby game in 1996 that I was a part of. The Pacific Islands weren't included in that at the start and now this is our time. It means a lot to us to make sure that these doors that they've opened for us don't close."
The match-up against the Drua has special significance for Umaga.
"This is, I think, the real battle of the Pacific, we are the new teams on the block. We're trying to forge our way in this competition and earn respect from all those that are around us. We all understand what our purpose is and we're all trying our best for our people."
The sides have had some pulsating match-ups in their short history, with three of the four meetings decided by three points or less.
But will it be a case of fighting flair with flair against the Fijians?
"It's hard to fight against Fijian flair because man, it's huge. So for us it's just around making sure we just focus on ourselves and what we can control, be very wary of what they do. They're so unpredictable but predictable."
A bumper crowd is expected at Albany for the Pasifika showcase.
"Everyone's talking about our atmosphere and how it is authentically Pacific. Pacific players in the opposition mention how awesome it is to just be in a Pacific environment, and so that's what sets us apart and that's what we want to keep doing, because that's who we are."
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