Hurricanes winger Josh Moorby scores the opening try against Moana Pasifika in their Super Rugby Pacific round 13 match at North Harbour Stadium, 9 May 2026.
Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
Opinion – Moana Pasifika lost their 11th game for the season on Saturday when they went down 50-17 to the Hurricanes in North Harbour.
It is in stark contrast to their performance 12 months ago, where they almost made the top six play-off. Today, they sit firmly at the bottom of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific table, with just 4 points out of 12 games and a points difference of -291.
While the off-field uncertainty about their future could be blamed in causing unnecessary pressure and anxiety on the players, it’s the on-field decisions and critical mistakes that also stand out.
For instance, three consecutive penalties were awarded to them during the game at one point, but instead of going for the three points each times, the team decided to go for the lineout once and twice for set moves.
All attempts proved futile and they gave up the opportunity to register at least nine points in the game, when the scoreline was more respectful.
Hurricanes, on the other hand, turned those turnover possession into points down the opposite end of the field.
Of course, Moana Pasifika have some new players who were playing in their first Super Rugby Pacific season, and were without other experienced players who were out injured. Every other team in the competition have the same challenges in those areas.
But they have learned fast and are quick to rectify their early mistakes from the early rounds so that they are more competitive in the last lap so to speak.
Unfortunately, it has not been the same for Moana Pasifika as they continue to falter and go short all the time.
It’s the same mistakes, the same sentiments shared post-match, yet, nothing seems to be changing, at least majority of the time.
What next?
Moana Pasifika only have two more games in their 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. They have a bye this week before they host the Queensland Reds at home next week. They will travel to Canberra for their penultimate game of the season against the ACT Brumbies.
With their future still in the balance, it would do the team well to go all out and finish on a high. Not close but finish winning at least against the Reds at home in Albany.
Not since their opening game win against the Drua in Lautoka – almost 14 weeks ago – has the team celebrated victory.
Their fans have stayed with them throughout the campaign, although a depleted crowd turned up to watch the battle against the Hurricanes on Saturday.
The team owe it to their fans to give them something to celebrate, even if it is for the last time, at home in North Harbour next week.
Make the right decisions
critical for right decision making all the time, especially when you have worked so hard to be in the opposition’s 22 zone, with the opportunity to score three, five or seven points.
Kickable penalties should be the option to go within range and if the lineout option is taken then that must be played out with precision – no mistake allowed.
Leaders need to step-up
The call for the team’s leaders and senior players to step up must be done. It’s the leaders on the field that hold the pieces together. If they step up and tick then the going will be easier. But if they do not shine then the load gets heavier.
Play for pride
If there’s something that the team can play for it must be for pride. Pride in what the jersey represents, pride in what they mean to the Pasifika community at large, pride in what they mean as a team.
Basics, basics, basics
But to get the result, getting back to the basics and doing them right is a must. That should be automatic now for players playing at the Super Rugby level, so we think.
But that has not been the case. The dropped passes when there’s a step away from the tryline, the wayward pass that went forward when the overlap was on, or the flick pass in a tackle that went to ground when it should have been held and play set up again.
Tuned on players, especially under pressure, is critical, so they are able to remember these basics and not kill the momentum they have built up over various phases.
Moana Pasifika will continue to play under pressure because of the uncertainty surrounding them.
But the players on the field can decide to write their own story in the face of those challenges.
It’s not going to be easy but it can be done.
Meanwhile, the Hurricanes have shot clear to the top of the competition again with their win, while the Chiefs stay second following their 31-21 victory over the Reds in Brisbane on Friday night.
In other results, defending champs the Crusaders proved too strong for the Blues at the One NZ Stadium, winning 36-20 on Friday night, the Chiefs beat the Reds 31-21, Highlanders beat the Waratahs 31-26 in Dunedin and the Brumbies claimed the Force’s scalp with a 32-15 scoreline in round 13 of the competition.
