Moana Pasifika team celebrate their win over the Blues in round 14 of the Super Rugby Pacific competition at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland. 17 May 2025 Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
It was a display that Moana Pasifika head coach and All Blacks legend Fa'alogo Tana Umaga said was up there among the best from his warriors.
Motivated by negative mutterings and media snippets from across the bridge, Moana Pasifika buried the Blues at North Harbour Stadium in an epic 27-21 display of brutal rugby at its best.
The win pushed the side into the top six of the Super Rugby Pacific standings, with a fair chance of finishing there when the competition's weekly rounds wrap up in two weeks.
On the other side of the coin, the reigning champions face the threat of missing the top six and losing the chance to defend their title unless they win big against the Waratahs next weekend - and hope other results work in their favour.
In Lautoka, the struggling Fijian Drua finally got home against the Western Force to claim a 38-7 win at their fortress, Churchill Park.
The win was something the Drua desperately needed to restore some hope after what many had called a dismal performance.
It also pushed the side off 11th spot in the standings, however temporary it may be.
Both matches produced some good moments, with standout performances from individual players who have been consistent for each team.
Here are five takeaways from the two teams in their respective winning performances:
Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea celebrates their win during the Super Rugby Pacific - Moana Pasifika v Blues at North Harbour Stadium, Auckland - New Zealand - on Saturday 17th May 2025. Photo credit: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
1. Leaders important
One of the biggest lessons from both teams is that having leaders who can lead by example is critical.
Moana Pasifika had Ardie Savea leading them in every way. He tackled, carried over 90 metres, won key turnovers, chipped and chased and, even kicked the ball over the touchline to relieve pressure when the Blues were on the attack.
His performance has been consistent since he made the switch to the North Harbour club.
To prove that he has been a great leader, Super Rugby Pacific awarded him the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific Player of the Year.
Speaking to reporters at the post-match conference, the All Blacks loosie said he just sets his focus on what he needs to do and goes out and does it.
He said he believes in walking the talk so that the players can see and carry on.
Umaga heaped praise on his captain and said his style has rubbed off positively on players around him, lifting their performances as well.
Even Blues coach Vern Cotter acknowledged that Savea has become an inspirational leader for Moana Pasifika.
On Saturday, his comrades-in-arms Miracle Failangi and Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa played like demon-possessed, and between them and Savea, they dominated the forward battles, outplaying their Blues opponents.
In the backs, the half combination of Jonathan Taumeteine and Patrick Pellegrini at 9 and 10 was key, dictating the flow of the game and directing play.
For the Drua, the driver was tough number eight Elia Canakaivata.
The former Fijian sevens rep has been a consistent performer for the Drua throughout the series this year and does not look like he is slowing down.
Flyhalf Isaiah Washington-Ravula returned to his best form again with his playmaker role, while departing players Tevita Ikanivere, Iosefo Masi and Selesitino Ravutaumada stepped up when needed.
Drua desperately needed the win against the Western Force. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
2. D win matches
Both the Drua and Moana Pasifika showed that defensively good can make the difference on the scoreboard in the end.
There were some very big hits displayed at Churchill Park and North Harbour Stadium.
The Western Force and Blues players would testify to the tackles they got hit with.
It is an area that both teams have been working on since round 1.
3. Self-belief
Both Umaga and Drua head coach Glen Jackson have stated numerous times that they wanted players to have that self-belief.
They believe if players have that then they can perform to their best.
It was evident on Saturday that both sets of players were developing their own self belief individually and as teams.
Big improvements in this key area with both teams.
Fijian Drua Photo: PHOTOSPORT
4. Staying in it
The Drua scored a try in the dying minutes against the Force.
Driving towards the line and putting their opponents under pressure resulted in Selesitino Ravutaumada getting a try.
Moana Pasifika defended for their life as the Blues were given a scrum feed five metres from the line, with the hooter for fulltime gone.
That was when the fighting spirits of Moana Pasifika came to the fore, with captain Savea coming up with the ball, and getting a penalty win.
The final whistle went straight after he was awarded the penalty win.
It is heartening to see the two teams battling it out until the final whistle, an area where Pacific teams have always faltered in in the past.
5. Fans inspire teams
North Harbour Stadium had 12,000 fans.
Churchill Park packed around 6,000.
They were the ones who lifted the two teams.
On the field, the players lifted for their fans.
Umaga and Jackson both acknowledged their fans and expounded on the important roles they play for their teams.
This weekend, both teams will be hoping that among the crown in Brisbane for the Drua and in Hamilton for Moana Pasifika, there will be some fans who will be cheering the two teams on.
