Super Rugby Preview: Highlander vs Moana Pasifika

 

The Highlanders beat Moana 45-17 away from home last season.

 

 

 

The Highlanders have been disappointing over the last few seasons and were the only New Zealand side not to make the quarter-finals in 2023.

 

They finished 9th on the table with five wins from their 14 games. It was actually not a bad finish considering that they hardly managed a point in the first half of the season.

 

The Otago side will want to start this season like they ended last, with a run of good results. They have a great chance to start with a win against a Moana side that only won once last time out.

 

 

 

Of all the New Zealand sides, the Highlanders have by far the least international players. That is not to say they are not littered with quality and players on the fringe of a national call-up.

 

 

 

Moana have struggled in their two Super Rugby seasons, but there will be hope of better to come in their third. 

 

In 2023, Moana won just once in 14 games and ended the season on a paltry eight points. They were 13 points off the side above them.

 

That is not to say that Moana have not put in some very impressive performances over the course of the two years. They have troubled some top sides regularly but doing it consistently has proved a challenge.

 

 

 

Moana have retained the services of veteran flyhalf/centre, Christian Lealiifano. Julian Savea is also still in their squad so they should have the experience to find a way to get some results.