Formidable would be an understatement in describing the challenge awaiting Moana Pasifika.
The new Super Rugby Pacific team will finally make its first appearance at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow night.
That follows a two-week lay-off, during which Covid-19 made its way into the camp.
Moana Pasifika has played just one preseason match a month ago.
Its opponent tomorrow? Arguably the competition’s best team in the Crusaders, who have already looked lethal in their first two matches.
The squad for the game contains 11 debutants at this level.
To top it all off, the team is still based in Queenstown while Covid-19 remains of significant concern in its Auckland home.
The team will remain there until the end of next week, then reassess the situation.
It would be easy to get intimidated.
Coach Aaron Mauger said excitement was the predominant feeling in the squad, though.
Players had prepared well and were ready to go — to the extent the coaches were trying to ensure they kept a lid on things.
Moana Pasifika was looking forward to testing itself against the best.
While that would be a challenge for the younger players, Mauger said the old heads were working to encourage them not to hold back.
"It’s just around encouraging our younger guys first time up to back themselves.
"They’re here because we believe in them, and they’re here because we trust them. That just builds the more time we have together out on the grass.
"We’ve only had one game to get that, but we’ve had a lot of trainings now and the intensity’s starting to build.
"We’re pretty confident with where we’re at. We know it’s going to be a challenge but we’re looking forward to it."
It would be a return to the stadium Mauger called home for three years, as head coach of the Highlanders.
He left the southern franchise in 2020 and, after a year away from the professional coaching ranks, linked with Moana Pasifika for its inaugural season.
That familiarity with the stadium meant he was well accustomed to its conditions, which he said were similar to where the team had been training in Arrowtown.
"It’s a hard, flat surface we’ve been training on, pretty similar to the Forsyth Barr surface. It’ll be hard and fast, and it’s good to know we’re going to have a dry ball.
"So it’s going to give us the opportunity to express some of our flair we’ve got to work on during the week."
Notable among the Moana Pasifika line-up is Southland lock Mike McKee.
Originally from Waikaia, McKee attended Otago Boys’ High School and played for Taieri before returning south to join the Stags.
He will make his Super Rugby debut in Dunedin.
Former Highlander Tima Fainga’anuku will start on the right wing.
The match kicks off at 7.05pm and will be played without a crowd.
Moana Pasifika
The team
William Havili, Tima Fainga’anuku, Levi Aumua, Danny Toala, Neria Fomai, Lincoln McClutchie, Ere Enari, Henry Time-Stowers, Alamanda Motuga, Solomone Funaki, Samuel Slade, Mike McKee, Sekope Kepu, Luteru Tolai, Ezekiel Lindenmuth. Reserves: Samiuela Moli, Taukiha’amea Koloamatangi, Joe Apikotoa, Alex McRobbie, Jack Lam, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Leali’ifano, Fine Inisi
