Source: Radio New Zealand
Moana return to Albany for the first time in 2026 this weekend. Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Moana Pasifika are finally back on the North Shore, entering round six of Super Rugby Pacific without having played a home game at North Harbour Stadium.
Albany became a fortress for the franchise in 2025, with fans turning out in force to witness historic results.
Among them was a first-ever win over the Blues, inspired by one of the greatest individual performances in Super Rugby history from Ardie Savea.
However, with Moana now languishing at the bottom of the Super Rugby ladder, there are concerns that the early-season momentum has stalled.
Head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga expressed frustration with the schedule.
“It’s tough, but that’s out of our hands and we can’t do much about that. Hopefully it’ll change next year.”
Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea celebrates his side’s win over the Blues. Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
Albany bore witness to Ardie Savea’s masterclass in 2025.
Under their current licensing agreement, Moana can host only five games in Auckland per season.
Umaga suggested the arrangement was driven by the Blues to avoid oversaturating the Auckland market.
“It is what it is, but we’re here now. We’ve got a few games on the trot at home, so we’ve just got to make sure that we don’t just talk about it. We’re actually living what we talk about, and we’re excited about being home. It really does excite us.”
Despite the delayed return, Umaga remains hopeful fans will turn out for Saturday night’s clash with defending champions, the Crusaders.
“We’re playing at home and that’s important for us, in front of our people and our family. Everyone loves playing at home. We had a home game in Pukekohe and obviously it’s not like it is here (Albany) for us, but it’s just one of those things, and wherever we go, we’ve just got to be good.”
After opening the season with a road win over the Drua, Moana have since suffered four straight defeats, several by heavy margins.
“We’re in search of playing our game and hopefully we can get it.”
Adding to their woes, Moana have lost former All Blacks halfback Augustine Pulu for three weeks after he received a red card for a high shot on Blues halfback Sam Nock in Sunday’s loss at Eden Park.
“I’m happy that he (Nock) was able to get up straight away. It’s disappointing for us because we’ve had a few injuries in our halfbacks, and for Augie as well, because it’s only his second game back after a long layoff, and he’s worked so hard to get back to where he was.”
With their season at a crossroads, a return to Albany may provide the reset Moana Pasifika desperately need.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
