Playing for the future: Moana Pasifika's young stars face ultimate test as club exit looms

The news of Moana Pasifika’s departure at the end of 2026 may have settled in but the fire on the field hasn't dimmed.

For the next generation of Pacific talent, Saturday’s clash against the Blues at North Harbour Stadium isn't just a rivalry, it’s a live audition for their professional futures.

Moana Pasifika's head coach Faʻalogo Tana Umaga is leaning into this "nothing to lose" energy and he has rewarded the explosive form of his youngest talents.

Leading the charge is 21-year-old winger Israel Leota, who became a household name last week after his gravity-defying "superman" leap went viral.

Despite having only 15 minutes of Super Rugby experience before that match against the Highlanders, the former Brisbane Broncos prospect has earned his first-ever start at home.

With the club’s future winding down, Leota is in a race to prove he is a long-term asset for the sport.

Leota isn't the only youngster fighting to keep his Super Rugby dreams alive.

Fellow Australian team-mate Glen Vaihu moves to fullback to maximise his dangerous counter-attacking ability.

Audition for the big stage: With the club's licence ending this season, young stars like Israel Leota (pictured in white against the Highlanders last week) are playing for more than points. They are playing to secure their professional futures in Super Rugby. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

Vaihu was a one-man wrecking ball last week in Christchurch, carrying for a massive 117 metres and beating six defenders.

In a competition that will soon have one less team, every carry is a chance for these players to catch the eye of scouts from the remaining franchises.

In the halves, William Havili moves to first-five - setting up a fascinating "house-mate" rivalry against Blues halfback Finlay Christie.

While the two share a kitchen mid-week, Havili says the friendship stops at the touchline.

Flatmate friction: William Havili moves into the number 10 jersey to face off against his own flatmate and Blues halfback Finlay Christie. "When we go out on the field we're trying to bash each other up," Havili says.

"There's a rivalry there but at the end of the day, when we go out on the field we're trying to bash each other up and win, after that it's all love between us," Havili says.

"They're a quality side, and they're a real physical team so we have to be physical as well."

To balance the youth, Moana are leaning on the pure power of left-winger Tuna Tuitama.

Fresh off a Man of the Match performance in Round 11, Tuitama’s job will be to provide the flamboyance and power that have defined the team’s spirit since day one.

One last ride: Moana Pasifika fans are expected to pack out North Harbour Stadium this Saturday as the team looks to leave a lasting legacy in their final Auckland derby of the season. Photo/Photosport

While the wider rugby world discusses the club’s financial exit, the players at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday 2 May will be focused on one thing: leaving a legacy that ensures their names remain on the team sheets in 2027 and beyond.

Match Details:

• What: Moana Pasifika v Blues

• Where: North Harbour Stadium, Albany

• When: Saturday, 2 May

• Kick-off: 7:05pm (NZT).

Pacific Power: While Moana battles in Auckland, the Fijian Drua return to their home fortress this Saturday to take on the Highlanders in a crucial Round 12 finals-shaping clash. Photo/Photosport/John Davidson

Round 12: The race to the finals

The hunt for the post-season reaches a fever pitch this weekend as the rest of the competition battles for a spot in the top eight.

The action kicks off on Friday night in Wellington where the Hurricanes host a Crusaders side fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Meanwhile across the Tasman, the NSW Waratahs receive a massive boost with the return of cross-code superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii for their must-win clash against the Western Force.

Saturday’s schedule is also a treat for Pacific fans as the Fijian Drua return to their home fortress to take on a rising Highlanders outfit. That match kicks off at 4pm (NZT).

The round wraps up on Sunday with a classic Australian derby as the Queensland Reds host the ACT Brumbies.

The Chiefs are on the bye this week, which gives the chasing pack a golden opportunity to climb the ladder.

For more on Super Rugby Pacific, click here. Tickets for the match can be purchased here.

TEAMS

MOANA (1-15): Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Millenium Sanerivi, Atu Moli, Allan Craig, Jimmy Tupou, Miracle Faiilagi (c), Semisi Paea, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, Jonathan Taumateine, William Havili, Tuna Tuitama, Tevita Latu, Solomon Alaimalo, Israel Leota, Glen Vaihu. Replacements: Mamoru Harada, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Veikoso Poloniati, Dominic Ropeti, Augustine Pulu, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Tyler Pulini

BLUES (1-15): Ben Ake, Kurt Eklund, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Sam Darry, Torian Barnes, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Sam Nock, Stephen Perofeta, Caleb Clarke, Pita Ahki, Xavi Taele, Kade Banks, Zarn Sullivan. Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Flyn Yates, Josh Beehre, Terrell Peita, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, AJ Lam

Referee: Nic Berry. Assistant Referees: Reuben Keane, Louis Trisley. TMO: Brett Cronan.

DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua (co-c), Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Joji Nasova, Virimi Vakatawa, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Frank Lomani (co-c), Isikeli Rabitu. Replacements: Kavaia Tagivetaua, Emosi Tuqiri, Peni Ravai, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Tuwai, Philip Baselala, Kemu Valetini, Maika Tuitubou.

HIGHLANDERS (1-15): Ethan de Groot (co-c), Jack Taylor, Angus Ta'avao, Oliver Haig, Mitch Dunshea, Te Kamaka Howden, Veveni Lasaqa, Nikora Broughton, Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Jona Nareki, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-c), Tanielu Tele'a, Jonah Lowe, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens. Replacements: Soane Vikena, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma'u, Sean Withy, Lucas Casey, Adam Lennox, Taine Robinson, Xavier Tito-Harris.

Referee: Paul Williams. Assistant referees: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter. TMO: Aaron Paterson.