MOANA Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga expressed his team’s enthusiasm as they gear up to kick off their Super Rugby Pacific season against Swire Shipping Fijian Drua at Churchill Park today.
Umaga noted the palpable excitement within both teams after a lengthy pre-season. “It’s a special occasion to start Super Rugby Pacific here in the Pacific, and to play against our Fijian brothers makes it even more meaningful,” he commented.
Over the past year, Umaga highlighted the growth of the team, emphasizing new players stepping up and the strong leadership from captain Miracle Fai’ilagi. Fai’ilagi acknowledged the physical challenge that awaits them, particularly in contesting for the ball at the rucks, but assured that the team is well-prepared.
“The humidity is tough, but we won’t use it as an excuse. We’ll stick to our work and see what we’ve got tomorrow,” he stated confidently. The captain further stressed the importance of making a solid start to the season, particularly after experiencing sluggish beginnings in previous years. “So this is a special game for us,” he concluded, reinforcing the significance of this matchup for the team.
With this much anticipation and commitment, MOANA Pasifika looks ready to embrace the season ahead, aiming for a strong performance against Fijian Drua and hoping to build momentum for the challenges that lie ahead.
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