Ardie Savea, Blues v Moana Pasifika. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Moana Pasifika v Brumbies
Kick-off: 4:35pm Saturday 19 April
Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
Live blog updates on RNZ
After being beaten up by their 'bigger brothers,' an Ardie Savea-less Moana Pasifika will look to get their season back on track against the Brumbies in Pukekohe.
Moana were dominated by the Blues at Eden Park, their rivals leapfrogging them on the Super Rugby Pacific table as a result of the 37-17 loss.
Coach Tana Umaga admitted it was a tough one to swallow.
"All losses hurt. But obviously there's a rivalry in terms of being the two teams in Auckland, we all know each other, we've got families all involved with both teams, so there is a bit of feeling between the two clubs and the two teams. So there is a bit of a hurt in terms of that, but we get to try and rectify things again."
Adding an extra sting to the loss was the fact Moana were outmuscled in the collisions, an area they pride themselves on winning.
"We probably took a pounding there in terms of the physicality. So it was a good learning curve for us and making sure that we can be consistent around what we do. We know what it's like if we're not at our best and we give them opportunities, then they'll make us pay."
But with a World Cup champion and a former Bronze Boot winner back to battle the Brumbies, Moana are confident of a quick bounce back.
Moana will be without their inspirational skipper on Saturday as Ardie Savea sits out with a neck strain.
However, they will swap one Savea for another.
"Obviously we lose our leader and he does so much for us. He's a bit beat up, few issues, but Julian's coming back from injury. So it's great to have him out there with us and it just gives us that experience and leadership that our team needs."
Despite last weekend's blip, Umaga is still eying a top six finish.
"Our expectations are still the same. We want to make the post-season. That was our drive at the start. It's a drive now and that opportunity is still open to us as we've seen. Everyone's challenging everyone and that's great for the competition, great for the fans and in turn great for us. We just have to keep lifting our level and not rest on our laurels."
In the absence of Savea, Sione Havili-Tuitali steps up to lead the side in his first start after returning from injury.
Though he has gargantuan boots to fill, the Tasman flanker is not feeling any extra pressure wearing the captains arm-band.
"My job is just leading with action. I've got good leaders around me, they're doing their job, so I'm just going to go out there and lead off action and hopefully the boys will follow."
Havili-Tuitali said it's been with immense pride that he's watched the rise of Moana from the sideline this year.
"We're not just playing for ourself, we're playing for something bigger than the team. Something bigger than the jersey."
He said the self belief in the squad has been infectious since knocking over the Hurricanes in round four.
"We saw so far this year in the competition, anyone can beat anyone compared to the last couple of years where teams the top six are all the way out on the top and then the rest is on the bottom. But this year anyone can beat anyone on the day."
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