From Southland to Super Rugby: Tupou Ta'eiloa’s Journey Comes Full Circle

· Lynn McConnell · action press
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Moana Pasifika loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa has personal reasons for Sunday's DHL Super Rugby Pacific game in Dunedin game because it is a place he feels like he grew up at during a stint in the Highlanders development squad.

Moana Pasifika enters the game with memories of their earlier encounter in which the Highlanders achieved a narrow 31-29 win.

But Tupou Ta'eiloa said their motivation is not specific to the Highlanders, it is for each game.

"Every game is motivating. We just try to get the end result, but going up against these guys is probably a bigger occasion for me."

While he has emerged from NPC rugby with Southland, Tupou Ta'eiloa first played his rugby in south Auckland before attending Otago Boys' High School. But his link with Moana Pasifika provided him with a chance to return home and be with his family.

And he said being in Moana Pasifika was like an extension of his family.

 "When you're on the field with each other, you want to play your best and push each other.

"A lot of people have got mentors of the team that uplift you and treat you at a level where they want you to be and they hold their standards to you, and let you know if you're not think. Everyone is competing."

 

It has been a rapid advance for him after not being part of the squad named for the season.

"It's been special because I'm playing in this jersey, and especially because of the players I'm putting it on with. I still find it surprising that I'm in this boat.

"That keeps me grounded and grateful."

Since joining the side, he has become the leading ball carrier in the competition, and he said that was not something he wanted, but it was a result of feeling more comfortable each week and wanting to get better.

While the top six beckons for Moana Pasifika, Tupou Ta'eiloa said they were still only thinking week to week and focusing on their next game.

"We'll focus on this weekend, whatever the result is, then we move on to our next job."

The debut appearance of seven-Test former Wallabies and Rebels prop Pone Fa'amausili will add lustre to the Moana Pasifika performance.

He said since moving to Auckland last year, all he has been waiting for is a chance to play, and after five months off rugby while recovering from injury, he is itching to play.

"I love this team and can't wait to get to Dunedin and get things going with the boys."

Also boosting the side will be the return of wing Kyren Taumoefolau after recovering from an injury.

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