The Moana Pasifika women's sevens team are hungry for more after a historic day of women's sevens both on and off the field.
Moana Pasifika came from 14 points down to stun the Black Ferns 15s. Photo: Moana Pasifika Rugby
The squad, which includes players with links to Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands, scored three second half tries to stun the Black Ferns Invitational side
24-19 in their debut appearance at the Takiwhitu Tūturu rugby sevens in Wellington on Friday.
Tonga rugby league international Mele Hufanga was among the try-scorers and admitted to a few nerves before kick-off.
"Especially playing against these (Black) Ferns so I think our first win today was just an amazing feeling - especially that build-up coming today," she said.
"The build-up towards this whole campaign has been amazing, the guest speakers being around the girls. It's a cool vibe and to take that W is amazing."
The Pasifika trail-blazers found things a lot tougher in their second match, going down 41-0 against Black Ferns Sevens White.
One win, one loss but spirits still high after a historic day for the first ever @MoanaPasifika women’s rugby team pic.twitter.com/UnYZC4XKiT
— RNZ Pacific Sport (@RNZISport) April 9, 2021
But co-captain Tysha Ikenasio said the end result wasn't the only measure of success.
"We learnt a lot, we had some awesome positives and we had some work-ons...we haven't been together long, we all know how to play rugby so it's just going out there and having each other's backs."
Mele Hunfanga has also spent time in the Black Ferns environment and said the bond between the Moana Pasifika players was "special".
"Especially being the first Moana Pasifika women to wear this jersey and be part of this team, that's probably why it's special."
The first Moana Pasifka women's team made their competitive debut in Wellington. Photo: Moana Pasifika Rugby
With two games under the belt, Moana Pasifika are back in action this morning against Black Ferns Sevens Black, with the playoffs to follow.
Tysha Ikenasio hopes such events can become a more regular occurrence.
"We don't have much opportunity for it but having just a tournament like this
just opens our eyes to a little bit more of the game, and hopefully opens everyone's eyes to wanting to keep watching sevens so we can play some more tournaments."
In the men's competition the Tonga Invitational team pipped the Samoa Barbarians 15-14 in their opening clash.
The kingdom were outclassed 38-0 by the All Blacks Sevens White in their final match of the day, while the All Blacks Sevens Black were 34-19 winners against the men in blue.
