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'That was perfect': Maori All Blacks and Moana Pasifika lay down spine-tingling challenges ahead of first-ever clash

05 Dec 2020

(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

The first-ever clash between the Maori All Blacks and Moana Pasifika promised fireworks from the kick-off, but the pre-match challenges have set the tone for the match ahead.

Facing off against each other for the first time in their histories – the encounter being Moana Pasifika’s debut appearance – the two sides laid down their respective challenges in front of a decent crowd at FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton.

Moana Pasifika were the first side to perform their pre-match ritual, with plenty of intrigue surrounding how exactly the side would integrate the cultures of Fiji, Samoa and Tonga in their performance.

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That question was soon answered as the composite side, which is expected to join Super Rugby in 2022, borrowed elements of Samoa’s siva tau, Tonga’s sipi tau and Fiji’s cibi to create a special cultural dance that represented all three Pacific Island nations.

The Samoan segment of the performance was led by team captain and Manu Samoa prop Michael Alaalatoa, while the Tongan part was led by ‘Ikale Tahi loose forward Nasi Manu, and the Fijian section led by Chiefs No. 8 Pita Gus Sowakula.

Their challenge was responded to appropriately by the Maori All Blacks, who performed a stirring rendition of their haka Te Timatanga.

SCENES!
Moana Pasifika issue a stirring pre-match challenge to the M?ori All Blacks which they respond to with their traditional haka Te T?matanga
?: @skysportnz pic.twitter.com/Cp5vdwBRKL
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) December 5, 2020

Fans have since taken to Twitter in awe of both side’s challenges, with one user labelling the exchange as a “perfect” way to precede the match itself.

Another called for the Maori All Blacks and Moana Pasifika match to become an annual fixture on the rugby calendar, echoing the sentiments of two-test hooker James Parsons and Maori All Blacks halfback Bryn Hall on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod.

How good to see a little bit of each Pacific Island in that challenge? ? #MABvMPA
— Tom Vinicombe (@TomVinicombe) December 5, 2020

LESSSGOOOO ?????? #MABvMPA
— ?? ????? (@ilss_7) December 5, 2020

I’m glad they didn’t kick this match off with any national anthems. That was perfect #haka #MABvMPA
— Knight Rai Raiosaurus (@dekrazee1) December 5, 2020

Wow. Wow. Wow. What a way to start a match. #MaoriAllBlacks #MoanaPasifika #MABvMPA #Goosebumps
— Geri Kerr (@GSK43) December 5, 2020

Controversial opinion: Give me the Maori All Blacks haka over any other
Unreal stuff#MABvMPA
— Nathan Williamson (@NathJWilliamson) December 5, 2020

Already this is shaping up to be my fav game of rugby in 2020. What an awesome display of pride in their heritage from both sides. #MABvMPA
— Rowena Duncum (@rowie_nz) December 5, 2020

Love the mix of the war dance ? #MABvMPA
— Aizen/Eagles/Heat/Tw1tter-X SUX (@Yeezy77_) December 5, 2020

That'll do me for the year. Incredible #MABvMPA
— Joshy (@_OUA_) December 5, 2020

This is something real special ?? #MABvMPA
— Jessica Avery Shaw (@jessicaavery_) December 5, 2020

https://twitter.com/TommyBick/status/1335103166296158209

Those challenges! Wow!#MABvMPA
— Paul (@rugga13) December 5, 2020

Listen to the latest episode of the Aotearoa Rugby Pod below:

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Kubota Spears vs Tokyo Sungoliath | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 | Quarter Final Replay

Australia vs USA | Pacific Four Series 2025 | Full Match Replay

New Zealand vs Canada | Pacific Four Series 2025 | Full Match Replay

South Africa vs New Zealand | The Rugby Championship U20's | Full Match Replay

Argentina vs Australia | The Rugby Championship U20's | Full Match Replay

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Comments on RugbyPass

Cantab 11 days ago

Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

4 Go to comments

James 11 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

37 Go to comments

dw 11 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

37 Go to comments

dw 11 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

37 Go to comments

dw 11 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.

Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 11 days ago

'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

91 Go to comments

JM 11 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 11 days ago

'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

4 Go to comments

OJohn 11 days ago

Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

0 Go to comments

Carlos 11 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

He was also a YC magnet.

37 Go to comments

Carlos 11 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

37 Go to comments

Solenn Bonnet 11 days ago

Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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0 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 11 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 11 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 11 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.

Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

37 Go to comments

BC 11 days ago

Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

1 Go to comments

Otagoman II 11 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

37 Go to comments

NB 11 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

👍