Moana Pasifika are preparing for an historic Super Rugby match in Tonga on Saturday – the first ever – while their Highlanders opponents are getting ready for a big change in temperatures.
Moana are in the midst of a record-breaking season – they have three wins already, their highest ever – and are ninth on the Super Rugby Pacific table.
They played in Samoa last year but have never played in Tonga. The match in the nation's capital of Nuku’alofa kicks off at 2.05pm NZT.
Prop Abraham Pole said: “[I’m] a little bit nervous - there’s so much emotion coming in. For a couple of boys here it’s their first time in Tonga. For the Tongan boys - first time."
Loose forward Sione Havili Talitui said: “I’m just grateful that we get to be a part of first ever Super Rugby game in Tonga, something I never dreamed would happen.”
The match at Teufaiva Stadium will represent the fifth home venue this season for the nomadic Moana Pasifika.
Coach Tana Umaga said: “It's something that we need to keep working - on bringing more games to the Islands… and how we can do that as Moana Pasifika… but there's a bit of work to be done."
Super Rugby Pacific's nomads will play the Highlanders in Tonga's capital of Nuku'alofa in a special return for several players from both teams. (Source: 1News)
Infrastructure and facilities are key areas for improvement.
Meanwhile, the Highlanders can put away their raincoats for the weekend. With temperatures in the low teens in Dunedin, Saturday’s predicted high of near 30degC and high humidity may come as a bit of a shock.
The match is also significant for several of the southerners, including Saula Ma’u and Folau Fakatava.
“I left Tonga in 2014 when I was in school so to be able to go back home and play rugby – it’s exciting,” Ma'u said.
Fakatava said: “To make history, first Super Rugby game back home, in front of family and fans means a lot to both of us."
Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody said part of dealing with the change in temperatures was mental.
“What we can't replicate is the heat, so that's something we've discussed as a group,” he said. “We have a choice when we get there - if it effects us or not.”
The Highlanders have dug deep into Tongan history this week but the home fans are sure to be cheering the opposite way.
“They'll see a team that's passionate about performing for them,” Umaga said.
After nearly 30 years, Super Rugby is about to feature in one of its final frontiers.
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