Galbraith comeback lingers in memory
Richard Jones. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
1. Favourite rugby memory?
Maybe that 2021 Galbraith Shield final, which we won over Star. We had a bunch of guys out injured ... and got behind on the scoreboard. But we came back and scored a try right on fulltime.
2. Hardest opponent?
Pirates Old Boys. The last couple of years, we've had some ding-dong battles with them.
3. What rugby player do you admire?
Ardie Savea is pretty hard to go past at the moment. He's pretty impressive and inspirational.
4. What do you do to relax?
I like to read. I like to spend time with the family, go for walks close to the beach. I like to surf if I get a chance in the summer.
5. If Richard Jones is cooking, what are we eating?
Lamb shanks.
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4 days ago
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Hurricanes Ngani Laumape, centre, celebrates scoring a try with team mates Ricky Riccitelli, left, and Jeff Toomaga-Allen. Photo: Photosport Moana Pasifika have secured the services of former All Black midfielder Ngani Laumape for the next two years. Laumape played 15 tests for New Zealand between 2017 and 2020, though opted to move to France after falling out of favour with selectors. The 32-year-old is fresh off three seasons with the Kobe Steelers in Japan League One, where he played alongside Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea. The announcement comes days after Moana culled its squad with the mass release of 176 players, six of whom had been with the side since it's inception. Despite the cleanout, the 2026 Moana Pasifika squad now has 30 of its 38 roster spots locked in. However, Laumape isn't heading to the North Shore to make up the numbers. "One of the reasons I came back was to be part of the first Moana Pasifika team to win the competition. Obviously there has to be a lot of hard work and a lot of things behind the scenes that we'll have to do but why can't our culture and our people do something great in this competition That's pretty inspiring and definitely motivating," he said. Head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga said Laumape has proven himself on the international stage. "From his experience in league, the All Blacks, as well as in France and in Japan, he has an open and mature outlook on the game. Ngani is also a great person who has done well for himself and his family, and I know he'll be able to integrate smoothly into our team environment." Ngani Laumape. Photo: PHOTOSPORT A proud Tongan from the villages of Nukuhetulu and Folaha, Laumape was born and raised in Palmerston North. He played for the Palmerston North Boys' High School First XV and for the New Zealand Schools alongside Savea and another 2025 Moana Pasifika squad member - Sione Mafile'o. In 2013 he made the switch to rugby league, debuting for the New Zealand Warriors who he made 30 appearances for across two seasons, scoring 11 tries. After his stint in league, Laumape signed with the Hurricanes for the 2016 Super Rugby season, going on to win the team's first ever Super Rugby title. In 2017 season, he finished as the competition's most prolific try-scorer with 15 to his name, and ending his stint in the capital with 49 tries across six seasons. Laumape's campaign caught the eye of All Blacks selectors, earning him his international debut in the 2017 British and Irish Lions series, stepping in to start for the suspended Sonny Bill Williams in the series decider. He will also return to play for the Manawatū Turbos in the National Provincial Championship.
RNZ News
07-06-2025
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Moana Pasifika review: Mass exodus and late drubbings take gloss off shining season
Captain Ardie Savea celebrates a win over the Blues. Photo: Brett Phibbs / In 2025, Moana Pasifika made believers of many. They came within one win of beating every New Zealand franchise, brought life to a dormant stadium and silenced plenty of critics. More importantly, they proved the project is working, giving Pacific players a platform, fans an identity and YouTube plenty of highlights. They would also drop a bombshell in the week following their elimination, announcing the departure of 15 players, six of whom had been with them since the start. Moana Pasifika ultimately fell short of their ambition of playoff footy and, after conceding 149 points in their last two games, the gloss was somewhat taken off a very bright season. Jonty Dine looks back at the historic year that was. Beating big brothers The rivalry between the two Auckland-based franchises only grew in 2025 and, of all their Kiwi scalps, none was more satisfying than the 27-21 defeat of the Blues in front of the Albany faithful. Captain Ardie Savea produced what was described as the greatest individual performance in the competition's history. Conquering Crusaders An upset for the ages, Moana's jaw-dropping 45-29 victory in "the toughest place to play in Super" suddenly gave rivals no choice but to put some respect on their name. Miracle scores thrice The encapsulation of what Moana was about - providing a platform for a Pacific player struggling to break into the top leagues - Miracle Faiʻilagi repaid the faith shown in him with this spectacular trio of tries against the Hurricanes, as they scored another upset over a New Zealand franchise, holding off the Hurricanes 40-31. New Moana Pasifika coach Tana Umaga helped change the franchise culture. Photo: Brett Phibbs / Ending Highlander hopes In a thriller under the Dunedin roof, Moana halfback Melani Matavao had his own 'hand of God' moment , as he charged down a Taine Robinson clearance, regathered and scored the matchwinner to eliminate the Highlanders from playoff contention with an enthralling 34-29 victory. Back to back After their monumental win in Christchurch, the question was could Moana back it up against the Waratahs the next week? Answering in emphatic fashion, a treble for prop Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou drove the 45-28 win. Ominous start Moana Pasifika were left to lament a three-loss run to start their campaign, a stretch of games that could have easily ended very differently. In their opening clash with Western Force in Perth, a 12-try epic concluded in heartbreaking fashion for the visitors. Down by 13 points with five minutes to play, the Force brought it back within six, before first-five Ben Donaldson inexplicably went 80 metres to score under the sticks and steal it. Similarly, Moana's round three match with the Highlanders - their first at home - saw them fall just two points short, after mounting a stunning comeback. Blanked by Brumbies An Ardie Savea-less Moana Pasifika failed to fire a shot on a damp day in Pukekohe, beaten 24-0 and sparking criticisms for the side's insistence on turning down kickable penalties . Ardie Savea leads the Moana Pasifika challenge. Photo: Photosport Hamilton humiliation While the Brumbies defeat stung, the hiding dished out by the Chiefs was effectively the blow that ended Moana Pasifika's playoff hopes, humbled in Hamilton 85-7 at the hands of a ruthless Chiefs side . 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He was often stuck behind Ere Enari in the pecking order for his first three years with the side, but Umaga showed plenty of faith in Taumateine, who delivered some quality performances Millennium Sanerivi Another who produced a season as epic as his name and another Chiefs development player unable to crack the main squad, the former King's College First XV captain made his debut at hooker in round one against the Force and locked down the No.2 jersey, playing 13 of 15 games. This phenomenon was evident from the very first media session of the year, when a horde of journalists huddled around Moana Pasifika's superstar signing - the biggest coup in Super Rugby history. Ardie Savea made a mockery of claims his game would suffer at Moana Pasifika. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 Making a mockery of predictions his game would suffer at the franchise, Savea was simply sensational for his adopted franchise, taking his game to levels rivalling the greatest players in the game's history. 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Assurances have been made for efforts to make the fixture a reality in 2026, but Tongans will no doubt be sceptical. Miracle Faiʻilagi's hattrick of tries were a season highlight. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress Sharks circle Fears the side would simply become a poaching ground for bigger franchises were proven justified, when Moana's top two 2023 performers - Timoci Tavatavanawai and Levi Aumua - were snapped up by the Highlanders and Crusaders respectively. Unfortunately, the trend appears to be continuing with dynamic young winger Kyren Taumoefolau likely lured away by the Chiefs for next year. Roster reset In a jaw-dropping post-season move, Moana announced the mass release of Fine and Lotu Inisi, Neria Fomai, Danny Toala, Michael Curry, Sione Havili-Talitui, Kyren Taumoefolau, Pepesana Patafilo, Alamanda Motuga, Sama Malolo, Aisea Halo, Tomasi Maka, Connor Seve, Irie Papuni and Pone Fa'amausili from the franchise. A significant shake up to the squad, though it could open the door for more star signings. While the NPC's 'Battle of the Bridge' has fizzled, a new Auckland grudge match has been born. What began as a cordial co-existence has become an increasingly heated feud between Moana Pasifika and the Blues. While the Blues say the right things on camera about the respect they have for Moana, the players and coaches across the bridge have spoken about the negative narratives coming from their so-called 'big brothers'. After Moana's official elimination from playoff contention, the Blues celebrated their finals berth with a post on Instagram saying "Keep doubtin us, we just picking the right time, don't care who side u on, there's only one of us in the finals". Moana Pasifika skipper Savea clapped back with "Lions don't care about the opinions of sheep". Shots fired. The scoreline was one apiece in 2025 and next year's clashes are bound to be barnburners. Rating B- 7/10 3.5 stars Moana Pasifika didn't reach the promised land in 2025, but they found their compass. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
06-06-2025
- RNZ News
Moana Pasifika season review: A force now to be feared
Captain Ardie Savea celebrates a win over the Blues. Photo: Brett Phibbs / In 2025, Moana Pasifika made believers of many. They came within one win of beating every New Zealand franchise, brought life to a dormant stadium and silenced plenty of critics. More importantly, they proved the project is working, giving Pacific players a platform, fans an identity and YouTube plenty of highlights. Moana Pasifika ultimately fell short of their ambition of playoff footy and, after conceding 149 points in their last two games, the gloss was somewhat taken off a very bright season. Jonty Dine looks back at the historic year that was. Beating big brothers The rivalry between the two Auckland-based franchises only grew in 2025 and, of all their Kiwi scalps, none was more satisfying than the 27-21 defeat of the Blues in front of the Albany faithful. Captain Ardie Savea produced what was described as the greatest individual performance in the competition's history. Conquering Crusaders An upset for the ages, Moana's jaw-dropping 45-29 victory in "the toughest place to play in Super" suddenly gave rivals no choice but to put some respect on their name. Miracle scores thrice The encapsulation of what Moana was about - providing a platform for a Pacific player struggling to break into the top leagues - Miracle Faiʻilagi repaid the faith shown in him with this spectacular trio of tries against the Hurricanes, as they scored another upset over a New Zealand franchise, holding off the Hurricanes 40-31. New Moana Pasifika Tana Umaga helped change the franchise culture. Photo: Brett Phibbs / Ending Highlander hopes In a thriller under the Dunedin roof, Moana halfback Melani Matavao had his own 'hand of God' moment , as he charged down a Taine Robinson clearance, regathered and scored the matchwinner to eliminate the Highlanders from playoff contention with an enthralling 34-29 victory. Back to back After their monumental win in Christchurch, the question was could Moana back it up against the Waratahs the next week? Answering in emphatic fashion, a treble for prop Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou drove the 45-28 win. Ominous start Moana Pasifika were left to lament a three-loss run to start their campaign, a stretch of games that could have easily ended very differently. In their opening clash with Western Force in Perth, a 12-try epic concluded in heartbreaking fashion for the visitors. Down by 13 points with five minutes to play, the Force brought it back within six, before first-five Ben Donaldson inexplicably went 80 metres to score under the sticks and steal it. Similarly, Moana's round three match with the Highlanders - their first at home - saw them fall just two points short, after mounting a stunning comeback. Blanked by Brumbies An Ardie Savea-less Moana Pasifika failed to fire a shot on a damp day in Pukekohe, beaten 24-0 and sparking [ criticisms for the side's insistence on turning down kickable penalties. Ardie Savea leads the Moana Pasifika challenge. Photo: Photosport Hamilton humiliation While the Brumbies defeat stung, the hiding dished out by the Chiefs was effectively the blow that ended Moana Pasifika's playoff hopes, humbled in Hamilton 85-7 at the hands of a ruthless Chiefs side . Wheels come off in Welly While the fans embraced the return of one of Wellington's favourite sons - Savea - to the city, the Hurricanes were far less welcoming, handing Moana Pasifika a 64-12 hiding at the 'Cake Tin' to officially kill their campaign. Disrespectfully labelled a band of battlers in some corners, the Moana Pasifika squad proved they were anything but, with several players stamping their mark in Super Rugby 2025. Patrick Pellegrini While the pre-season talk centred around Jackson Garden-Bachop taking the reins, the unheralded Pellegrini made the biggest moves. His powerful punt, astute game management and deceptive speed saw him touted as one of the premier first-fives in the competition. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa A schoolboy star after making the bold move from Auckland to Invercargill, the blockbusting No.8 thrived alongside Savea and even thrust his name into All Blacks bolter conversations. Feleti Sae-Taʻufoʻou Another big mover was hulking prop Sae-Taʻufoʻou, announcing himself with a hattrick against the Waratahs, the Turbo was brutal with ball in hand. Moana Pasifika first-five Patrick Pellegreni Photo: Martin Hunter/ActionPress The primary focus upon Moana's inception was to provide a professional platform for Pasifika players who may be overlooked elsewhere. Several players epitomised this by playing their career best rugby after moving there in 2025. Lalomilo Lalomilo After making just two appearances for the Chiefs in 2023, Lalomilo had bided his time since earning national U20 selection. He returned north and appeared to find a permanent home in the Moana Pasifika midfield. A powerful runner, the Samoan is far from one-dimensional, showcasing some classy touches Jonathan Taumateine Halfback Taumatene found himself lost in the shuffle at both the Chiefs and Hurricanes, before signing with Moana Pasifika in their inaugural season. He was often stuck behind Ere Enari in the pecking order for his first three years with the side, but Umaga showed plenty of faith in Taumateine, who delivered some quality performances Millennium Sanerivi Another who produced a season as epic as his name and another Chiefs development player unable to crack the main squad, the former King's College First XV captain made his debut at hooker in round one against the Force and locked down the No.2 jersey, playing 13 of 15 games. This phenomenon was evident from the very first media session of the year, when a horde of journalists huddled around Moana Pasifika's superstar signing - the biggest coup in Super Rugby history. Ardie Savea made a mockery of claims his game would suffer at Moana Pasifika. Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2025 Making a mockery of predictions his game would suffer at the franchise, Savea was simply sensational for his adopted franchise, taking his game to levels rivalling the greatest players in the game's history. Influence is an understatement - Savea's men would follow him into war. A generational figure, who has become only more mythical at Moana Pasifika. Without a home in 2024, Moana struggled to find a sense of belonging, as they bounced between venues, sharing Go Media Stadium with the Warriors and unable to forge a genuine connection with their fanbase. Enter Albany. Moana Pasifika brought a serious injection of life to a ground in dire need of a rebirth. The atmosphere at QBE Stadium was electric and the roar when Savea snatched the matchwinning pilfer against the Blues absolutely deafening. They may have only numbered about 10,000, but the fans brought the energy and passion of a million. Tonga turmoil In a significant blow to Pacific rugby, Moana Pasifika were forced to relocate a home game against the Chiefs from Tonga to Pukekohe, due to logistical barriers on the island. Assurances have been made for efforts to make the fixture a reality in 2026, but Tongans will no doubt be sceptical. Miracle Faiʻilagi's hattrick of tries were a season highlight. Photo: Michael Thomas/ActionPress Sharks circle Fears the side would simply become a poaching ground for bigger franchises were proven justified, when Moana's top two 2023 performers - Timoci Tavatavanawai and Levi Aumua - were snapped up by the Highlanders and Crusaders respectively. Unfortunately, the trend appears to be continuing with dynamic young winger Kyren Taumoefolau likely lured away by the Chiefs for next year. While the NPC's 'Battle of the Bridge' has fizzled, a new Auckland grudge match has been born. What began as a cordial co-existence has become an increasingly heated feud between Moana Pasifika and the Blues. While the Blues say the right things on camera about the respect they have for Moana, the players and coaches across the bridge have spoken about the negative narratives coming from their so-called 'big brothers'. After Moana's official elimination from playoff contention, the Blues celebrated their finals berth with a post on Instagram saying "Keep doubtin us, we just picking the right time, don't care who side u on, there's only one of us in the finals". Moana Pasifika skipper Savea clapped back with "Lions don't care about the opinions of sheep". Shots fired. The scoreline was one apiece in 2025 and next year's clashes are bound to be barnburners. Rating B- 7/10 3.5 stars Moana Pasifika didn't reach the promised land in 2025, but they found their compass. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
