Moana Pasifika youth show promise in first Super Rugby Pacific Under-20 tournament

Moana Pasifika’s Under-20 team put on a spirited performance in the annual Super Rugby grade competition.

They opened their campaign on Saturday, 15 March, with a tough match against the top-seeded Crusaders at Owen Delany Park, Taupō.

In a thrilling quarter-final clash, the Moana Pasifika side pushed the Crusaders to their limits but narrowly lost 29-22.

The match highlighted the team’s dedication and skills as they competed against one of the tournament favourites.

While they didn’t win, their effort against the Crusaders stood out, praising them for their exciting plays and strong defence.

Following their close loss, Moana Pasifika was placed in the lower bracket for the second match on Tuesday 18 March. They faced the Highlanders, who were also coming off a tight defeat to the Blues (48-45).

Unfortunately, Moana Pasifika couldn’t overcome the Highlanders in their next game, marking the end of their tournament run. But their fighting spirit and ability to stand up to stronger teams left a positive impression on everyone watching.

The tournament also witnessed impressive performances from other teams, with the Hurricanes thrashing Fiji 65-10 and the Chiefs dominating the NZ Barbarians 59-19 in their quarter-finals.

The Crusaders and Blues advanced to the semi-finals after their tough competitions, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion.

Photo/Moana Pasifika

Crusaders and Chiefs reach the final

While Moana Pasifika didn’t make it to the final, the tournament continued, with the Crusaders and Chiefs maintaining their strong performance and securing their spots in the championship match.

The Crusaders showed determination with a hard-fought victory over the Blues in the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs displayed their offensive strength by defeating the Hurricanes to earn their place in the final.

The upcoming championship match promises to be an exciting clash between two powerhouse clubs, wrapping up a thrilling tournament that showcased the incredible talent across New Zealand and the Pacific.

While Moana Pasifika may not have reached the final, their strong performances against top teams signal a bright future for Pacific rugby.

Saturday’s Super Rugby U20 fixtures:

7th-8th place – Fijian Drua v Moana Pasifika, 11.05am

5th/6th – Highlanders v NZ Barbarians U21, 1.05pm

3rd/4th – Hurricanes v Blues, 3.05pm

1st/2nd – Crusaders v Chiefs, 5.05pm

All games are live on Sky Sports.