Moana Pasifika bamboozle Blues by copying the Springboks’ unorthodox midfield lineout
Sunday, 3 May 2026
Tana Umaga says Moana Pasifika are “trying anything” for a win and tested a trick only the Springboks have dared to try.
And it worked.
Moana chose to tap when launching an attack inside the Blues’ 22 in the 13th minute of Saturday night’s Super Rugby Pacific clash at North Harbour Stadium.
Nobody anticipated — especially the Blues — they would then opt for a midfield lineout as a confusion tactic.
Seconds later, Moana breached the Blues’ bamboozled defence for hooker Millennium Sanerivi’s try.
The ploy was used last year by Rassie Erasmus’ world champion Springboks with mixed results. The South African coach renowned for his creative, unorthodox thinking to catch out opponents has always sought any advantage possible.
“It’s the greatest form of flattery when you copy them. We’re trying anything,” Umaga said.
“It gave a bit of a shock to the Blues when we did it.”
Blues captain Patrick Tuipulotu said it was, in fact, discussed before the match his side would ultimately win comfortably, 45-19, in Albany.
“We were slow to react,” he said.
Tuipulotu said Moana assistant coach Tom Coventry, formerly of the Blues, was one to reach for “a bit of innovation”.
“Something TC was always keen to bring in. Something different.”
Moana’s coaching staff were delighted when mimicking the Springboks’ playbook paid off.
South Africa first unveiled the move last July in a 45-0 win against Italy in Gqeberha. It led to a try.
When repeating something similar in last September’s clash against Scott Robertson’s All Blacks at Eden Park, a match they lost 24-17, it failed because they fumbled the ball.
Umaga said implementing the tactic was his players’ idea.
From the tap, No 8 Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa popped a high pass for their lifted lock, Allan Craig, to bring the ball down to form a maul.
Referee Nic Berry was satisfied there was no obstruction as Moana’s players drove the Blues back. Sanerivi dived over the line with their defence scattered.
“We didn’t get him [Craig] as high as we did in training in captain’s run. It obviously worked for us,” Umaga said.
“That was very pleasing. Very happy for us. It was something the players came up with.
“We said ‘well, if that’s what you want to do, that’s what you want to do’, and it worked.”
Moana are mired in a bleak situation. Bottom of Super Rugby Pacific after 10 defeats in a row, the Pacific franchise is due to disband once completing their next three matches. Their demise has come because of no viable financial future.
Umaga said they were determined to have what fun and enjoyment they could in trying to win another game.
Their first half was positive, trailing only 14-12, but they faded again with the sort of second-half collapse that has been common during a difficult season. Vern Cotter’s Blues march on after rising to second with an 8-3 record.
Umaga said again there was a “glimmer of hope” that a financial savour might rescue them, although it seems extremely unlikely. Their plight means most players and staff face an uncertain future.
“Turning up every day is winning for us at the minute,” Umaga said with a wry smile.
“We prepare to win, but these guys have got so much on their mind. As you saw out there, we’re putting things on the field.
“It’s a tough time. It’s easy for people to clock out and focus on other things, but that first half showed us we’re still in it.
“That’s the biggest thing for us, looking after each other is a huge win for us.
“We’ll keep grinding away.”
Moana welcome the Hurricanes, the competition leaders, to North Harbour Stadium next Saturday night.
Umaga said: “They’re playing alright, too, aren’t they?”
Their final matches are at home to the Reds on May 23 before finishing the following weekend away to the Brumbies in Canberra.