The Moana Pasifika Franchise

[Dan54]

Interesting is number of kiwi born players in the MP (Moana Pasifika) squad. Hopefully the idea of allowing up
to 3 ABs in MP (Moana Pasifika) team means if any of those players get good enough to represent ABs does not mean they have to move to kiwi franchise. And more so hope this rule is pilot for considering applying same rule to any Super Rugby side. As I advocate more franchise model that allows establishing franchises across Asia pacific to grow the game but allow this sort of flexibility to create more even balance across the team’s / footprint. It would also provide a model to grow the game in other regions eg say Singapore team joined that they could have up to x wallabies or ABs in the team.

I not sure how MP (Moana Pasifika) will work, but as for players going to any frnachise in super, I think we have seen what happens when your players are out of your control! Have a look at Wallabies with Kerevi etc, the further everyone keeps away from that the better! Though I know where you coming from RN , but as you know I against, and you can see exactly why now.

 

[Rugbynutter39]

I not sure how MP (Moana Pasifika) will work, but as for players going to any frnachise in super, I think we have seen what happens when your players are out of your control! Have a look at Wallabies with Kerevi etc, the further everyone keeps away from that the better! Though I know where you coming from RN , but as you know I against, and you can see exactly why now.

Nah - i am talking about within the same competition which is different - and yeh a super rugby franchise model which allows for more free flow of players I reckon is only way to go long term. I reckon even nzru is coming round to it and hence the trial up to 3 ABs rule for MP (Moana Pasifika). As you do this to keep players closer to home and part of a competition you are part of and have more control over.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

Worth remembering that at this point no AB has to my knowledge been linked to MP (Moana Pasifika) let alone been signed by them. Or to put it another way, just because MP (Moana Pasifika) can sign up to three current AB, doesn't mean there's up to three current AB who will sign up for MP (Moana Pasifika).

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Worth remembering that at this point no AB has to my knowledge been linked to MP (Moana Pasifika) let alone been signed by them. Or to put it another way, just because MP (Moana Pasifika) can sign up to three current AB, doesn't mean there's up to three current AB who will sign up for MP (Moana Pasifika).

I look at this slightly differently - yes there is no signing of an current AB but also they have signed kiwi players and that means if any of them show form to progress to becoming an AB over the next couple of years they don't have to jump ship from MP (Moana Pasifika) to a kiwi Super Rugby franchise in order to be eligible to play for the ABs. That to me is a major positive step.

 

[Dan54]

I look at this slightly differently - yes there is no signing of an current AB but also they have signed kiwi players and that means if any of them show form to progress to becoming an AB over the next couple of years they don't have to jump ship from MP (Moana Pasifika) to a kiwi Super Rugby franchise in order to be eligible to play for the ABs. That to me is a major positive step.

I understand what you mean mate, I would prefer if they Island eligible and come through the MP (Moana Pasifika) pathway, that's where they play their international stuff. Though take your point if it someone like L McClutchie who isn't able to play for Islands.

 

[Brumby Jack]

Solomone Kata is the latest signing.

 

[Tomikin]

Solomone Kata is the latest signing.

So Happy for him, and Tonga he will be a beast.

 

[Dan54]

Another good signing!

 

[Rugbynutter39]

Solomone Kata is the latest signing.

I think that was expected after news electing to stay in NZ....I imagine MP (Moana Pasifika) formation made the decision easier

 

[Dan54]

Another bloody good signing I think, Levi Aumua mdifielder from Tasman, a big fast boy, there are going to be some sore shoulders after tackling these boys all day!!


Also Filo Tiatia is come on board as assistant coach.

 

[Sword of Justice]

Another bloody good signing I think, Levi Aumua mdifielder from Tasman, a big fast boy, there are going to be some sore shoulders after tackling these boys all day!!


Also Filo Tiatia is come on board as assistant coach.

Levi was a couple of years above me at Brisbane Grammar. In his senior team we weren't all too flash as a team but he was so evidently better than everyone else; it was pretty clear that if he applied himself he'd go far. Anyway Levi was known for his love of shoes so one game a coach said if he scored a hat trick he'd give him his shoes. Levi scored 4 tries that day.

He was a specimen back then, truly violent hits against some kids who went on to higher honours so I'd be very keen to see if he can replicate that at this level.

Seemed like a nice guy too.

 

[RebelYell]

Wonder if Toni Pulu might end up there?

 

[Dan54]

This another signing with Super experience, been with Chiefs and Canes;
Manu Samoa halfback Jonathan Taumateine joins Moana Pasifika for the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific season. The 25-year old made his test match debut from the bench in July where Samoa collected a 42-13 win over ‘Ikale Tahi. The following week, the exciting halfback got his first test start, scoring a try in Samoa’s 37-15 win over Tonga, securing a spot in the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
And a couple more hawke Eyes are joining
Hawke’s Bay winger Azelo Tuitavuki and tighthead prop Joe Apikotoa (also a few games for Chiefs and Wellington Lions) join the Moana Pasifika kāinga for the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific season. Both are of Tongan descent and eligible for selection into the ‘Ikale Tahi.

 

[RebelYell]

So far, it seems like a 'best of the Pasifika from the NPC' squad, with a couple of other experienced players thrown into the mix. Always likely the way with a short timeframe to build a team, but a long way off a Pasifika powerhouse and you'd imagine that a lot of the players without Super Rugby experinece being signed have been overlooked by NZ teams before now. It's going to be a tough initiation.

 

[Dan54]

So far, it seems like a 'best of the Pasifika from the NPC' squad, with a couple of other experienced players thrown into the mix. Always likely the way with a short timeframe to build a team, but a long way off a Pasifika powerhouse and you'd imagine that a lot of the players without Super Rugby experinece being signed have been overlooked by NZ teams before now. It's going to be a tough initiation.

I think it was always going to be like this for the initial set up Rebel. But basically I think that was where they were heading, and you don't want a combination of Tongan and Samoan test teams, it (like Drua) trying to give players chance to earn enough to stay down SH way, and have a step up from NPC etc to test rugby. I don't imagine either MP (Moana Pasifika) or Drua who are basically a NRC team would be expecting to top comp in first couple of years. Remember any set up teams like Force and Rebels etc really struggled for a couple of years. I can still see both teams winning the odd game.

 

[RebelYell]

I think it was always going to be like this for the initial set up Rebel. But basically I think that was where they were heading, and you don't want a combination of Tongan and Samoan test teams, it (like Drua) trying to give players chance to earn enough to stay down SH way, and have a step up from NPC etc to test rugby. I don't imagine either MP (Moana Pasifika) or Drua who are basically a NRC team would be expecting to top comp in first couple of years. Remember any set up teams like Force and Rebels etc really struggled for a couple of years. I can still see both teams winning the odd game.

I think Drua will be competitive almost immediately, but predict a tough start for Moana.

 

[Dan54]

I think Drua will be competitive almost immediately, but predict a tough start for Moana.

Could well be right mate, I don't really have a full picture of Drua, I only know the team that played in NRC, don't know how many more they have got, hope it a few as I don't think a team from that level will go that well stepping up a grade without a couple of experienced players coming in. I really would like them to both be able to pick up a game or 2 in first seasons, something to build on.

 

[Dan54]

Another signing, don't know a lot about him, but they already got 3 loosies with Super exparience so probably a bench player;
Bay of Plenty Steamers loose forward Penitoa Finau joins the Moana Pasifika Kāinga.

 

[waiopehu oldboy]

^ "Moana Pasifika Fale", surely?

 

[Rugbynutter39]

I think it was always going to be like this for the initial set up Rebel. But basically I think that was where they were heading, and you don't want a combination of Tongan and Samoan test teams, it (like Drua) trying to give players chance to earn enough to stay down SH way, and have a step up from NPC etc to test rugby. I don't imagine either MP (Moana Pasifika) or Drua who are basically a NRC team would be expecting to top comp in first couple of years. Remember any set up teams like Force and Rebels etc really struggled for a couple of years. I can still see both teams winning the odd game.

And probably winning games against rebels, force (ok and tahs)