Dua Moana Pasifika Rugby Podcast · Jeremy Lardner

Reviews & Reactions - Super Rugby Pasifik - Round 7

·46 min·4 clips

Super Rugby administrators are inventing new rules each week to stop the Fijian Drua from performing their traditional Mbole challenge.

The episode opens with a land acknowledgment and welcome to the Dua Moana Pasifika Rugby Podcast. Host Jeremy outlines the episode's focus: reviewing all Super Rugby Pacific Round 7 matches and the Friday night test between the Wallaroos and Fijiana in Canberra. He begins by listing all weekend results, including the Hurricanes' 52-14 win over the Reds and the Chiefs' 24-14 victory over the Force. Jeremy then presents the updated Super Rugby ladder, with the Hurricanes leading on points differential over the Blues. The first deep dive is into the Wallaroos vs. Fijiana test match for the Vuvale Bowl. Jeremy, who attended the match, notes Fijiana's 35-15 loss but emphasizes their significant improvement from a heavier defeat the previous year, crediting their fightback after an early try. He details key moments, including Nicole Leadington's opening try and Fijiana's response before halftime. The analysis shifts to Moana Pasifika vs. Highlanders. Jeremy discusses the Highlanders' early scrum dominance and Caleb Tangatao's two tries. He praises Moana's Nico Jones as man of the match for his defensive reads and big hits. A major point of contention is the penalty count, which reached 11-1 against Moana Pasifika in the first half, which Jeremy cites as evidence of refereeing bias against Pacific teams. He also covers injuries to players like Joel Lamb and a stadium power outage that disrupted the broadcast. The final match review is Blues vs. Fijian Drua. Jeremy first condemns Super Rugby administrators for preventing the Drua from performing their traditional Mbole challenge, citing inconsistent excuses like heat and missed applications. He calls this a pattern of targeting. The match analysis includes the Blues' tactical use of blockers for Beauden Barrett's kicks and the Drua's patient phase play. Jeremy highlights individual performances like Mesake Doge's destructive breakdown work and Kemu Valentini's calm game management. He critiques Blues winger Caleb Clarke's constant on-field chatter. The episode concludes with a preview of Wednesday's interview with Brumbies player Martha and a call for reviews and shares.

As heard by us

A sharp Round 7 recap with firm match detail and a steady Pasifika lens.

This round-seven episode keeps its focus on the weekend as a set of matches, not just a results recap. Wallaroos and Fijiana in Canberra, Blues against Fijian Drua, and Moana Pasifika against Highlanders all get enough room to matter.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Press play for a Pasifika rugby reaction episode that breaks down the big calls.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Dua Moana Pasifika Rugby Podcast