Moana Pasifika head coach Tana Umaga spoke confidently ahead of his team’s clash with the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in the opening round of the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. Arriving at Nadi International Airport, Umaga expressed optimism about his side’s preparation and performance, stating, “Only time will tell,” while emphasizing the importance of confidence in their training efforts.
Moana Pasifika enters the match with limited pre-season experience, having played only one trial match against the Highlanders last week, where they narrowly lost 41-31. This sets the stage for the highly anticipated “Battle of the Pacific” at Churchill Park in Lautoka, where the two teams last competed in 2023.
Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson highlighted the significance of each match this season, indicating that the team aims to field their strongest lineup for every game. Jackson, who previously played in Super Rugby Pacific, reminisced on his competitive encounters with Umaga, reflecting on his opponent’s remarkable playing prowess and acknowledging his successful transition into coaching.
The match is set to kick off tomorrow at 3:30 PM, promising an exciting renewal of rivalry between the two teams. With both sides eager to start the season strong, fans can look forward to a thrilling encounter as the Pacific rugby season unfolds.
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