Moana Pasifika made their emotional debut in Super Rugby Pacific on Friday against the most successful team in the competition's history, the Crusaders.
The team from the Pacific Islands were formed in 2020 and, after several games were delayed by COVID, they finally got their chance to play in the Southern Hemisphere's biggest tournament on Friday. They gave their famous opponents a run for their money, and won over plenty of new fans with their heart in Friday's game.
Moana Pasifika v Crusaders: Islanders show plenty of potential on Super Rugby debut
Two new teams have entered Super Rugby Pacific this year, with Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua joining the ten Australian and New Zealand-based teams in the competition for 2022.
The scenes from the Moana Pasifika camp were already emotional enough, with Australian international Sekope Kepu named captain in a brilliant video shared by the team in early February.
Having waited two years to work their way into Super Rugby, Moana Pasifika had to wait even longer for their bow in the tournament. They were forced into postponing their opening two games due to a COVID outbreak, leaving them with a daunting opener against the Crusaders on Friday.
Full credit to the newcomers, as they did not hang about from the outset. Incredibly, Solomone Funaki gave the side the game's opening try, with a superb team effort putting the back row over in the corner.
OUR FIRST EVER TRY IN SUPER RUGBY GOES TO SOLOMONE FUNAKI 🌊🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/NYZqT8nYCB
— Moana Pasifika Rugby (@MoanaPasifika_) March 4, 2022
They would go in at the break nine points down to their more experienced opponents and, ultimately, their resolve whittled away in the second half. They ultimately succumbed to a 33-12 loss, but their style of play and spirit won many admirers.
After the final whistle, the entire Moana Pasifika camp shared a beautiful moment, as they sang the Fijian gospel song 'Eda sa qaqa' in their team huddle.
What an incredible moment 🧡💙
So good to have @MoanaPasifika_ in #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/3oNuk0CzHU— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) March 4, 2022
Despite their ultimate loss, the newcomers to Super Rugby Pacific were instant fan favourites on Friday. Their fellow newbies, Fijian Drua, went one step further in winning for the first time in Super Rugby on Friday, on their third attempt, against the Rebels.
After Friday's round of games, praise was rife on Twitter for Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua. Pasifika's opponents the Crusaders shared a lovely tweet post-match, which commended the Islanders for their heart and defensive efforts.
FULL TIME | That’s full time here from Dunedin and Codie Taylor executes off the back of the maul to score on full time!
Moana Pasifika have shown heart tonight and have put on a solid defensive effort in their inaugural game. Looking forward to playing at home next week 👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/SOUboomgZ6— Crusaders (@crusadersrugby) March 4, 2022
Super Rugby’s new entrants the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika standing up tonight 🔥
— Liam Napier (@liamnapiernz) March 4, 2022
Love having Moana Pasifika in Super Rugby. Only saw some of it this morning but looked competitive, Crusaders no easy 1st game https://t.co/lp1h8X6QG1
— Sam (@sami_sp) March 4, 2022
What a mighty effort by Moana Pasifika after what they have been through!! Can’t wait for more of their games!
— Bailey Mackey (@thebaileymackey) March 4, 2022
The Crusaders can beat any team by 20+ points.
Moana Pasifika can be proud of that performance.
First game against the competition's most successful side, which had two games under the belt, and they put them under pressure.#MOAvCRU #SuperRugbyPacific— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) March 4, 2022
#DRUvREB I'm Indo-Fijian on my mothers side, my heritage is very important to me, so I am thrilled for the Drua, I had a gut feeling they would win tonight, they were awesome. This is a huge step for Rugby in the Pacific Islands with the Drua winning and the Moana Pasifika debut.
— Shane Moran (@scoolm8) March 4, 2022
Super proud of these men.. Fijians around the world are rejoicing in your victory. It’s only the beginning!. #duavata @Fijian_Drua @StanSportRugby https://t.co/6RdRydYp1H
— nemzy (@nemani_nadolo) March 4, 2022
After their early exploits this season, it will be fascinating to track where Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika end up in this year's edition of Super Rugby.
With their team spirit and new found fanbases, we can't imagine teams will be looking forward to playing either side.
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