In a stark revelation, Coach Tana Umaga expressed profound concerns over the potential loss of a critical development avenue for Pacific rugby talent, following the recent announcement that Moana Pasifika might be ousted from Super Rugby. This came after yet another loss, a 29-14 defeat to the NSW Waratahs, marking Moana's eighth consecutive setback and cementing their position at the bottom of the league standings.
Moana Pasifika, heralded as a beacon of hope for nurturing Tongan, Samoan, and Cook Island rugby prowess, finds itself on shaky ground. The team's financial backers declared a cessation of funding post this season, citing dismal commercial backing and poor spectator turnout. This has prompted NZ Rugby to seek a new buyer for the team's license.
Based in Auckland throughout its five-year tenure instead of playing in the Pacific Islands as initially intended, Moana's potential dissolution spells trouble.
“The gap between where we [Samoan and Tongan unions] are currently, internationally, to where we need to get to, is very big,”
Umaga disclosed in a post-match media interaction.
“Without Moana to bridge that gap, it’s going to be tough. If we keep going the way we’re going, the possibility is that they might not make the next cycle of the World Cup.”
Despite the looming uncertainties, Umaga remains hopeful and resolute. “There’s still a glimmer of hope for us and that’s what we’ve got to look forward to and we’ve just got to keep pushing forward,” he added, reflecting on the challenges ahead.
On the field, Moana showed flashes of brilliance against the Waratahs, leading 14-12 at half-time with two tries from scrumhalf Melani Matavao. However, the Waratahs took control in the second half, with fullback Sid Harvey scoring twice, helping his team secure their fourth win in eight games.
The match itself wasn't without drama, experiencing a 40-minute delay due to lightning risks, which saw players temporarily withdrawn. Waratahs coach Dan McKellar commended his team's composure during the critical final phase of the game. “We had a really clear plan around what we needed to do in that last 10 minutes,” McKellar stated. “That’s probably the most pleasing part is that we were all pretty calm and understood what was required.”
The looming question remains: What will become of Moana Pasifika and the untapped potential it represents? Only time will tell if this vital conduit for Pacific rugby talent can be saved or if it will fade into the annals of rugby history.
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In a stark revelation, Coach Tana Umaga expressed profound concerns over the potential loss of a critical development avenue for Pacific rugby talent, following the recent announcement that Moana Pasifika might be ousted from Super Rugby. This came after yet another loss, a 29-14 defeat to the NSW Waratahs, marking Moana's eighth consecutive setback and cementing their position at the bottom of the league standings.
Moana Pasifika, heralded as a beacon of hope for nurturing Tongan, Samoan, and Cook Island rugby prowess, finds itself on shaky ground. The team's financial backers declared a cessation of funding post this season, citing dismal commercial backing and poor spectator turnout. This has prompted NZ Rugby to seek a new buyer for the team's license.
Based in Auckland throughout its five-year tenure instead of playing in the Pacific Islands as initially intended, Moana's potential dissolution spells trouble.
“The gap between where we [Samoan and Tongan unions] are currently, internationally, to where we need to get to, is very big,”
Umaga disclosed in a post-match media interaction.“Without Moana to bridge that gap, it’s going to be tough. If we keep going the way we’re going, the possibility is that they might not make the next cycle of the World Cup.”
Despite the looming uncertainties, Umaga remains hopeful and resolute. “There’s still a glimmer of hope for us and that’s what we’ve got to look forward to and we’ve just got to keep pushing forward,” he added, reflecting on the challenges ahead.
On the field, Moana showed flashes of brilliance against the Waratahs, leading 14-12 at half-time with two tries from scrumhalf Melani Matavao. However, the Waratahs took control in the second half, with fullback Sid Harvey scoring twice, helping his team secure their fourth win in eight games.
The match itself wasn't without drama, experiencing a 40-minute delay due to lightning risks, which saw players temporarily withdrawn. Waratahs coach Dan McKellar commended his team's composure during the critical final phase of the game. “We had a really clear plan around what we needed to do in that last 10 minutes,” McKellar stated. “That’s probably the most pleasing part is that we were all pretty calm and understood what was required.”
The looming question remains: What will become of Moana Pasifika and the untapped potential it represents? Only time will tell if this vital conduit for Pacific rugby talent can be saved or if it will fade into the annals of rugby history.