Moana Pasifika prop Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou goes over to score a try during the Super Rugby Pacific - Moana Pasifika v Waratahs at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland on Saturday, 5 April 2025. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou believes being grounded in his faith as a Christian continues to help him as he grows in his rugby career.
Plucked out of Manawatu by Moana Pasifika head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga, and thrown into his first Super Rugby Pacific debut against the Western Force in Perth was not expected.
But for the 23 year old prop, he believes it was the start of what has been an exciting rise in his first season with the North Harbour-based franchise.
An early love for the oval ball game saw him learn his trade with Palmerston North Boys' High School, and a call up into the Hurricanes Under-20 squad gave him the opportunity to boost his learning.
Then, into the Manawatu academy he went, before getting to debut for the provincial side at the National Provincial Championship (NPC) two years ago.
Last Saturday, he scored three tries against the Waratahs at North Harbour Stadium and was named 'Player of the Week' in the competition.
"An unlikely hero emerged in Round 8 of Super Rugby Pacific Fantasy as Moana Pasifika's rookie prop Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou stunned fans and fantasy managers alike," Super Rugby said in their wrap of the player's performance.
"The front-rower crashed over for a remarkable hat-trick, racking up 74 points - the highest fantasy haul of the week - and claiming Player of the Week honours in just his debut season.
"Sae-Ta'ufo'ou's performance in Moana Pasifika's thrilling win over the Waratahs at North Harbour Stadium was not only memorable, but historic. He becomes the first front-rower and only the second forward all season to win Fantasy Player of the Week, joining elite company alongside Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea.
"The young prop's explosive running and eye for the try line caught Fantasy managers by surprise, with just 0.7% having him in their squads.
"With Sae-Ta'ufo'ou's rise, Moana Pasifika becomes just the second team after the Chiefs to produce multiple Players of the Week in 2025."
Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou Photo: allblacks.com
Grounded
On Tuesday, Sae-Ta'ufo'ou told RNZ Pacific he is grounded with his Christian faith, and acknowledges that has helped him.
"I think the biggest thing would be my faith in God," he said.
"I think just having my faith there keeps me grounded and it just keeps me honest around my routine, my preparations and helps me not to get ahead of myself.
"I think just the biggest thing would be just that routine as well...a consistent routine just helps me get consistent performance."
Since joining the side, Sae-Ta'ufo'ou has had to battle for staring line-up spots in the team.
But that has been healthy and the players are assisting each other as teammates, playing for one team, week in and week out.
Being humble and sticking to what needs to be done has been their focus.
"The vibe has been good, especially coming off a couple of wins the boys have earned to celebrate, but at the same time, the boys, they are still going to work," he said.
"They are not getting too ahead of themselves. Everyone's happy and smiling."
On the challenge that the players go through, fighting to positions in the match-day 23s every week, he said it has been healthy for the team.
He reckons it is the hardest challenge he has been through in his young career.
"It has been a good challenge, definitely the hardest challenge along my rugby journey so far," Sae-Ta'ufo'ou said.
"But I have enjoyed it. I have learned to embrace the challenge rather than really fear the challenge.
"I think the biggest learning was the confidence of my ability, just knowing that I am here for a reason and I can actually back myself against some of the best in the world.
"And with the help of the boys, they just helped me a long way. Our seniors in the team, the boys preparing each other throughout the week. It gives me a lot of confidence in myself and in the team."
The Ardie factor
Sae-Ta'ufo'ou acknoledged the influence of inspirational captain Savea.
He said the tough looseman lads by example as a true professional.
"His influence has been very important," he said.
"He has made a significant impact on the team not only on the field, but also off the field, just for little habits, attitude, and mindset around the game, and around how we are off the field, keeping us honest and making sure that we are being true professionals.
"He is a man of high caliber, and he sets a good example with his actions first. And you know when he talks, everyone listens to his impact has impacted been significant on us, and I've been grateful for it."
Blues challenge
Moana Pasifika will face the Blues at Eden Park on Saturday for their Round 9 game.
It is a game that many are excited about, especially with how the two teams have performed recently.
The Blues have struggled in their last two games.
They lost to the Crusaders 42-19 in week six, but managed a one point 19-18 win over the Hurricanes last weekend.
Moana Pasifika claimed their first back-to-back win in the competition in the last two weekends, defeating the Crusaders in round seven and then the Waratahs in round eight.
Sae-Ta'ufo'ou said he is excited about facing the Blues.
"I'm just looking forward to getting stuck in now in my first Super Rugby game against the Blues," he said.
"Growing up watching them, I know that they're always a big team, big and physical, and that's the kind of game that I like too.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge this weekend just see, see how I go against some of the best in the world. And yeah, I'm just ready to embrace it to be honest."
Internationals
With his impressive showing so far, there is a likely call up for international duties, and the player knows he will have to be ready to make his call when the time comes.
Especially when he can play for Samoa, Tonga or New Zealand.
But for now he is set on helping Moana Pasifika in their Super Rugby campaign.
"Obviously international aspirations they are in my mind," he revealed.
"My biggest focus at the moment is super rugby and being eligible for Samoa, Tonga and New Zealand is bit of a headache, but those selections aren't up to me. It's up to those coaches.
"But if I am called, I'd be honored to put on the international jersey, no matter who it's for.
"My biggest first is super rugby and and obviously heading back home to Manawatu for NPC."
His impressive performance so far has augured well for Moana Pasifika, who has been forced to play without key prop James Lay, who is out with injury at the moment.
