Moana Pasifika

Covid-19 disruptions have led to the postponement of four Moana Pasifika games this season, with the team's last six games coming across a 23-day period to make-up for lost time.

Tuifa'asisina Sir Bryan Williams says it's tested the resilience of players and coaches. 

"They haven't been able to play the same team every game because of the short turnaround, so it's meant that they've been able to blood around about 40 odd players in Super Rugby. 

The game will be Moana Pasifika's first meeting with an Australian team.

They were originally set to make their Australian debut against the Western Force last week in Perth, but the game was cancelled due to Covid concerns.

Moana Pasifika are at the very bottom of the Super Rugby table, having only won one out of their eight games so far.

Their only win came against the Wellington Hurricanes (24 - 19) in round 6.

Head Coach Aaron Mauger said the team is determined to break their losing streak.

This weekend is the first 'Super Round' of the competition where the Australian-based sides which include the Fijian Drua, and the New Zealand-based sides including Moana Pasifika, face off for the first time.

All six matches were scheduled to take place at Melbourne's Rectangular Stadium this weekend, but a rash of Covid-19 cases in the Force squad has led to the postponement of Friday's second fixture.

Sovaleni says their help meant a lot and he enjoyed meeting them in person at Mount Smart Stadium.

“I would like to thank Moana Pasifika, the rugby team and the organisation, for helping Tonga in their time of need. You have done an outstanding job, and I wanted to congratulate you on what you have done,” says Sovaleni.

“For all those who supported the [Ofa Atu Tonga] relief fund organised by Moana Pasifika, malo. That contribution has gone a long way in helping us. It was very much appreciated, and I wanted to thank you in person.”

The former Wallaby and Brumbie's captain takes charge of Moana Pasifika's leadership role following the injury of Sekope Kepu in Friday's 37-17 loss to the Highlanders.

"I'm really excited for Christian, he's a very natural leader," said Moana Pasifika Assistant Coach Filo Tiatia.

"We have total confidence around how he leads, particularly off the field and what he brings on field.

"He's a captain at the highest level, he was a captain of the Brumbies and also had a bit of a leadership role in the Wallabies."

The former Crusaders No 9 was again strong for Moana Pasifika during their 37-17 loss to the Highlanders on Friday, sparking the attack with his crisp passing and tackling.

However, the team conceded 16 penalties and Enari said the speed of Super Rugby Pacific had been a jolt to the young side's system.

"It's experience at this level, at Super Rugby pace. The more games we get, the more exposure we get to this level and I think we'll be able to take away those penalties," he said.

"Once we get into a normal playing week ... we've had a couple of storm weeks.

While Moana Pasifika have one success in their debut season, the Highlanders remain winless after seven rounds.

After being on the receiving end of a 46-16 defeat at the hands of the Blues, head coach Aaron Mauger reflected on the week that was.

"Although we know we're heading in the right direction as a team we were disappointed that we didn't offer our best performance against the Blues at Eden Park," Mauger said.

More than US$52,000 was raised in the 'Ofa Atu Tonga' fundraiser, which kicked off on February 4 at the Moana Pasifika pre-season game against the Chiefs.

The money has been used to purchase vital medicines and medical equipment, including PPE gear. These supplies will be distributed to hospitals across Tonga including the main hospital on Nuku'Alofa, Vaiola Hospital, and Ha'apai's Princess Fusipala Hospital.

Donations were received from more than 10,000 people from around the world including Japan, US, UK, Cook Islands and New Zealand.

Blues Hooker Kurt Ekland helped himself to three tries in front of a home crowd of 15'000, while Corey Evans, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem and AJ Lam also scored for the hosts.

Moana Pasifika scored one try through Tomasi Alosio, while Christian Leali'ifano kicked three penalties.

The first half was a back and forward affair, with Moana Pasifika leading 6-0 early before the Blues sprung into action and scored twice in four minutes, eventually taking a 29-16 lead into the break.

Up 19-5 at halftime, the Blues eventually fought off a spirited fightback from the home side to secure a 32-19 victory at Mt Smart Stadium on Tuesday night.

Moana Pasifika's third try midway through the second spell closed the gap to just five points with 20 minutes remaining.

But the Blues held their nerve, coming up with their fifth try of the match and a late penalty to seal the result.

The two teams were each playing the second match of a three-match run in eight or nine days, meaning both made wholesale changes from their previous game.