'They've uncovered a gem': Unknown first five-eighth turning heads in Super Rugby

It took Moana Pasifika four games to get their first win of the Super Rugby Pacific season, but their win against the Hurricanes in their adopted home of North Harbour Stadium might get them on their way.

Star signing Ardie Savea has clearly upped the standards of the Tana Umaga-coached side and helped his squad gain their first victory of the season after two tight losses in the opening three games.

Another key part in the round four victory was stand in first five Patrick Pellegrini, who played No.10 for Moana Pasifika in Jackson Garden-Bachop’s absence, played a pivotal role in securing the victory against the Hurricanes.

Sky Sports commentator Tony Johnson was impressed with Pellegrini, saying that his kicking game against the Hurricanes was what differentiated the two sides.

“I think they might have uncovered a gem here, a guy who played, age group rugby in New South Wales, has been playing in the UK, but he’s come back,” Johnson said to Martin Devlin on the DSPN Podcast.

“He’s in his mid-20s, so he’s got a bit of maturity, and out of these young number 10s that are playing in the competition, I thought his kicking out of hand and his ability to find space on the field, not just lump it down the throat of some guy in the backfield and off the tee, was probably as good, if not better, than anyone else in the competition.”

Pellegrini, who has represented Tonga at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, moved to Moana Pasifika for the 2025 season after playing a couple of years in England at Coventry.

Pellegrini has been on the bench for all three of Moana Pasifika’s losses so far this season, before starting in round four’s triumph.

Head coach Tana Umaga praised his first fives performance in round four, saying that at every chance Pellegrini has had, the 26-year-old has proved he has what it takes to play at Super Rugby Pacific level.

“Pellegrini was outstanding in his first start, to be honest, every opportunity he’s got, he’s taking it with two hands.

“He earned the right to get a start, he showed why he’s been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. It’s just, how do you become consistent with that?

“That’s something that, obviously we have to work on with Patrick, but if he plays like that every week, then we’d be pretty happy.”

Pellegrini’s first starting performance for Moana Pasifika didn’t just pass the eye test, the stat sheet also backed it up, as the first five recorded nine carries and one line break, along with his five conversions.