NZ Engine

Source: Radio New Zealand

The roof at Te Kaha brought a bumper atmosphere inside the stadium during Super Rugby Pacific’s ‘Super Round’ – but it also brought the heat.

The toughest conditions to play in this weekend no doubt occurred during the mid-afternoon Sunday match between the Highlanders and Moana Pasifika.

Highlanders skipper Ethan De Groot said things got hot under the roof.

“Yeah, it was hot, especially a midday game,” he said. “Bit of a greenhouse, but nah, awesome stadium.

“Almost as good as Forsyth Barr,” he chuckled.

Little reprieve was offered for the Chiefs and Drua kicking off at 4.30pm.

Players were visibly exhausted at the end of a frenetically paced match.

Two Drua players, who did not want to be named, said they struggled with the slippery ball and humidity, but they did not want this used as an excuse, particularly as they were scheduled to play indoors against Wales on Fiji’s tour to Europe in June.

Hurricanes midfielder Jordie Barrett played in the 5pm Saturday fixture and said the environment did make handling tricky.

“It’s got a different feel to Forsyth Barr, almost more like a European stadium, not as much airflow, quite humid and the ball gets a little more slippery.”

Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph commended his men for enduring the elements and grinding out the win over Moana 27-17.

“Just a real arm wrestle, a real sticky game,” he said. “I felt we created a lot of opportunities that we couldn’t actually finish off and kept the opposition in the game.

“Finding a way to win in a really difficult game like that is really important, so I’m fortunate to be on the right side of that. The players were being put under a lot of pressure right to the very end, so it was nice to get a win.”

A heart-in-the-mouth moment for Joseph was surely the premature celebration of winger Adam Lennox, which very nearly cost them a try.

The halfback-cum-winger raised an arm in the air, as he approached the line, but was caught from behind and managing to grass it with a desperate fight.

Joseph said he wouldn’t give Lennox a hard word.

“No, we’ve got to do more of that I reckon.”

Lennox had seized his opportunity in recent weeks, he said.

“When he gets a sniff, if he breaks a line, he’s gone. That’s a point of difference for him as a rugby player and something good for the team, but we’ve got some really good high-quality No.9s, so it’s a competitive position.”

Sunday’s win was crucial for their season, Joseph said.

“Coming off a couple of really tight losses against teams in the top half of the competition was hurting, because the boys played really well at times, enough to probably win those games, and fell short.

“Get a win under our belt, jump on the plane, get over to Fiji and have another crack.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Southern Steel have notched up a solid win over Northern Mystics in their ANZ Premiership game in Auckland.

The Steel won 57-46, their second win from three games this season, but it was far from comfortable in the first half, as both teams traded goals for long periods.

The biggest margin before the break saw the Steel lead 8-5 midway through the first quarter, but the Mystics fought back to lock up the scores 26-all.

In the third quarter, the Steel took control, outscoring their rivals 16-10 and the was a similar story in the fourth quarter, with the Mystics unable to mount a comeback.

Steel shooter Aliyah Dunn was especially dominant, nailing 47 goals from her 47 attempts, as was the team effort, with the Steel enjoying a 56 percent possession advantage, while also conceding fewer turnovers and penalties.

The win moves the Steel to second on the ladder after the completion of the third round.

Champions Mainland Tactix lead with three wins from three.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Super Rugby Pacific’s ‘Super Round’ has ended with a scoring spree between the Chiefs and Fijian Drua, as the rivals put on a thriller under the roof at Christchurch’s Te Kaha.

Both sides played a high octane brand, with the Chiefs proving to strong in the chaos to run out 42-22 victors and take top spot on the ladder.

The Fijians kicked things off through Mesake Doge, before the Chiefs asserted their dominance through their rolling maul, with hooker Brodie McAlister rumbling over.

Centre Quinn Tupaea’s hot form continued, as he finished off a slick Chiefs backline move, slipping the final tackler to cross near the posts.

The Chiefs stretched their advantage through a moment of madness from the Drua fullback.

After cleaning up a kick ahead, Ilaisa Droasese opted to grubber for himself in his own ingoal and Chiefs prop Jarred Proffit simply dived on the loose ball to score, as all stood stunned.

They went bang-bang before the break, with wing Leroy Carter cutting through and linking with Cortez Ratima running the perfect halfback line.

The Chiefs kicked the scoring off in the second half with a simple blindside switch, as fist-five Damian McKenzie provided an easy draw and pass to send Dan Sinkinson over untouched.

With things opening up, replacement hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua busted the line, and showed a clean pair of heels to streak 30 and go in under the bar.

Tupea Cook Savage sparked and scored the final blow, closing out an emphatic Chiefs victory.

Follow all the action here:

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The sharks are circling.

The carcass of Moana Pasifika is about to be picked clean by the other Super Rugby Pacific franchises and coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga is encouraging his players to secure their futures.

“These guys have got to start looking,” he said. “This is their livelihood.

“It’s not just the players you see, it’s the staff behind it too. A lot of people are affected by this.”

When the franchise folds at the end of the season, it’s collapse will leave 60 players and staff out of a job, but many would have already been on the wishlists of Kiwi sides.

“When you say you’re looking after your people, it’s all your people,” Umaga said. “If they’ve got opportunities and we can open up opportunities for them going forward, then that’s what these situations bring.

“Rugby’s got a short lifespan and, if you can get something, no-one will hold it against you, because who knows what’s going to happen.”

Umaga said the franchise’s unknown future had created fears within.

“It’s that uncertainty that brings on a lot of anxiety and there’s a lot of anxious kids within our group.

“We understand where we’re at. I’m so proud of the guys, our men, being able to park that in the carpark before they come in.

“We talk a lot around persevering and keeping faith, but also around controlling what we can control.

“Also understanding how grateful we are for the opportunity for some of these guys to keep showing their abilities, because everything is so uncertain… the guys that get their chance in the 23 get to showcase themselves for whatever might happen in the future.”

Umaga credited skipper Miracle Fai’ilagi for the way he had kept the troops bound.

“He’s doing a great job, keeping them tight. We try to get them the right information, as soon as we can – we’re trying to keep open around that.”

Despite the turmoil, Moana Pasifika continue to front on the field, falling just short in a 27-17 thriller against the Highlanders.

“It just showed the pride and heart they have for the club, for themselves and for their families,” Umaga said. “We made enough opportunities for us to win that game and we just couldn’t nail it for ourselves, but we were right in it until the end.”

Little moments would hurt Moana Pasifika badly, from stray attacking lineout throws to offloads not quite finding the mark.

Fai’ilagi was first to put his hand up for the lack of execution.

“Speaking as leadership, I take ownership on some of the errors at the start,” he said. “Being a leader, that’s very unacceptable, but credit to my boys in there who stayed in the fight.

“They didn’t score any points until the 25th minute – that shows heart and confidence.”

Umaga said keeping his players focused on the season had been a difficult task.

“The most important thing for us is just looking after our people, making sure they’re okay. There’s probably a little bit more pressure on our guys when they go out there, because they’ve got a lot to prove and a lot going on behind the scenes.

“When they come in to work every day, we’ve got to make sure we’re checking in, but also understand we’re pretty fortunate to do the job we’ve currently got, so let’s just enjoy the moments while we can.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

Moana need another miracle.

The side’s captain, inspirational leader, and encapsulation of what the franchise represents – Miracle Fai’ilagi, is walking proof of the possible pathway from the islands to Super Rugby.

However, the franchise will fold at the end of the current Super Rugby season barring a financial saviour, closing that path for many aspiring Pasifika players.

Fai’ilagi said it would be a devastating blow.

“The purpose of this team is to inspire Pacific players back home. There’s not much there in the islands, but having this opportunity, having this team in Super Rugby, is a huge step for boys and girls coming through.

“Opportunities like this are hard to get back home, so to come here, express themselves and earn a living is a dream for some of us. If that gets taken away, then that pathway for future players goes too.”

Faiʻilagi was a foundation member of Moana, and used his time there to elevate his game to become one of the country’s premier loose forwards.

Having lived the dream, knowing what this franchise can do for pacific players, Faiʻilagi was desperate to see it survive.

“It’s huge for me as one of the pioneers who came here. I had a job to do, not just for me but my family and players back home. It’s really special for me and for this team to continue.”

Despite the uncertainty, Faiʻilagi has taken it upon himself to keep morale high among Moana.

“For me it’s about doing my job as a leader within the group and staying tight while staying hopeful. One of our pillars is faith and believing anything can happen. There are a lot of positives out there and a lot of people willing to help us in our situation.”

The side has endured a cruel run of luck of late, from lightning strikes delaying games to a power cut at their home ground cutting the live broadcast.

“Things happen. You can’t control the weather, any of that. Those situations are another opportunity to keep the boys tight within the game, whether we’re up or down, and keep a positive mentality for not just 40 minutes but 80. It’s about focusing on what we can control within the team. That’s a big part of my job as captain.”

With Moana players likely to be available for other franchises in 2026, Faiʻilagi was coy on whether or not the sharks had come circling for him.

“Not focusing on that, just focusing on my job and the team. But as I talk about opportunities, there are opportunities out there and plenty of eyes looking. We’ll see what’s next for me and some of the boys here. It’s a good challenge.”

He said Moana are still playing with a point to prove.

“I think people already know the meaning and purpose of this team. We spoke about it before this situation came out. We’re Pasifika people, we can’t back down, we always find a way. We always go back to faith and trusting God. There are a lot of people outside the group trying to help us, so we stay positive and connected.”

However, despite what the future held, Faiʻilagi said the people of the Pacific were behind them.

“They are everywhere supporting us wherever we are.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

The sharks are circling.

The carcass of Moana Pasifika is about to be picked clean by the other Super Rugby Pacific franchises and coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga is encouraging his players to secure their futures.

“These guys have got to start looking,” he said. “This is their livelihood.

“It’s not just the players you see, it’s the staff behind it too. A lot of people are affected by this.”

When the franchise folds at the end of the season, it’s collapse will leave 60 players and staff out of a job, but many would have already been on the wishlists of Kiwi sides.

“When you say you’re looking after your people, it’s all your people,” Umaga said. “If they’ve got opportunities and we can open up opportunities for them going forward, then that’s what these situations bring.

“Rugby’s got a short lifespan and, if you can get something, no-one will hold it against you, because who knows what’s going to happen.”

Umaga said the franchise’s unknown future had created fears within.

“It’s that uncertainty that brings on a lot of anxiety and there’s a lot of anxious kids within our group.

“We understand where we’re at. I’m so proud of the guys, our men, being able to park that in the carpark before they come in.

“We talk a lot around persevering and keeping faith, but also around controlling what we can control.

“Also understanding how grateful we are for the opportunity for some of these guys to keep showing their abilities, because everything is so uncertain… the guys that get their chance in the 23 get to showcase themselves for whatever might happen in the future.”

Umaga credited skipper Miracle Fai’ilagi for the way he had kept the troops bound.

“He’s doing a great job, keeping them tight. We try to get them the right information, as soon as we can – we’re trying to keep open around that.”

Despite the turmoil, Moana Pasifika continue to front on the field, falling just short in a 27-17 thriller against the Highlanders.

“It just showed the pride and heart they have for the club, for themselves and for their families,” Umaga said. “We made enough opportunities for us to win that game and we just couldn’t nail it for ourselves, but we were right in it until the end.”

Little moments would hurt Moana Pasifika badly, from stray attacking lineout throws to offloads not quite finding the mark.

Fai’ilagi was first to put his hand up for the lack of execution.

“Speaking as leadership, I take ownership on some of the errors at the start,” he said. “Being a leader, that’s very unacceptable, but credit to my boys in there who stayed in the fight.

“They didn’t score any points until the 25th minute – that shows heart and confidence.”

Umaga said keeping his players focused on the season had been a difficult task.

“The most important thing for us is just looking after our people, making sure they’re okay. There’s probably a little bit more pressure on our guys when they go out there, because they’ve got a lot to prove and a lot going on behind the scenes.

“When they come in to work every day, we’ve got to make sure we’re checking in, but also understand we’re pretty fortunate to do the job we’ve currently got, so let’s just enjoy the moments while we can.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Source: Radio New Zealand

With Christchurch humming for Super Round, the Highlanders have declared themselves the perfect hosts for its next edition.

An indoor stadium, a proud rugby history, and a notoriously rowdy student population, the ingredients are all there.

Coach Jamie Joseph implored the powers at be to consider Dunedin.

“Don’t forget there’s 20,000 students that choose to live in Dunedin for four or five years. You may be one of them, I was. Dunedin’s an awesome place to host something like Super Round. We’ve got an indoor stadium that will lend itself quite well.”

Highlanders skipper Ethan de Groot said the city would step up for the occasion, just as Christchurch had done.

“We love our rugby down south and I feel like we don’t get enough of it, especially with test matches. The more rugby down south, the better.”

Teammate Timoci Tavatavanawai concurred.

“Same kind of ground, same kind of vibe. It’s a small city, but there’s a lot of people that always support. So yeah, I’ll take it down there if they want it.”

As the only side to have had a covered home ground prior to Te Kaha’s opening, the Highlanders feel they have the playbook for under roof rugby.

“We are used to playing under a roof, you know, but I think it gives an advantage for all the teams, really. The consistency of the conditions play no part, no wind, no sun in your eyes, it just sort of lends itself to a really good time,” Joseph said.

Their first match at Te Kaha comes against an embattled Moana Pasifika outfit, though Joseph is wary of a motivated Moana.

“They are playing to prove a point or trying to save their team or trying to find a job for next year. So we know we’re coming up against a very hungry Moana and just like us, we’re hungry to get a win after some of the close losses we’ve had.”

That defeat to the Blues last week was compounded by the loss of star winger Caleb Tangitau, who was knocked out after copping a shoulder to the head.

“Caleb is okay, he had a good run yesterday, a bit unfortunate because he has been a player that’s been consistently playing well for us this season.”

However, the Landers will be bolstered by the return of Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

“He’s beaten the doctor’s clock, so that’s always good. We find ourselves in a position where we’ve got to take each performance as it comes, and getting Jacob back is going to be crucial for our performance.”

De Groot said their pack is preparing for a bruising battle.

“They’ve got some big cattle in their squad and we have to get the technique right to go against those guys.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand