Moana Pasifika's match with the Māori All Blacks next month is seen as a big step towards the side securing entry into Super Rugby.
Former All Blacks Sir Bryan Williams and Ofisa Tonu'u catch up after the New Zealand Barbarians Legends v Pacific Legends game in 2019. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The south Auckland team is expected to be included in the professional competition in 2022.
Moana Pasifika patron Sir Bryan Williams says their maiden match against the Māori in Hamilton on Saturday, December 5 is "very important" for the fledgling franchise.
"We need to galvanise all of the supporters behind the opportunity and the team, and the game is obviously going to be a great opportunity to do that.
"It's going to be a celebration of cultures. Both the Pasifika and Māori communities have made a big contribution to New Zealand Rugby and they bring so much colour and culture to our game."
The Super Rugby bid is something Sir Bryan's heavily invested in, having seen the Pacific overlooked when rugby turned professional in 1995.
"The Pacific Islands were left out of mainstream professional rugby so it's been a bit of grievance I've had and others have had for 25 years.
"I think it would give so many players an opportunity to play in a top level professional competition and then to feed back into the national teams of Tonga, Samoa and Fiji."
Blues assistant Tana Umaga Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The former All Blacks winger has revealed there is opposition within Super Rugby to Moana Pasifika, with concerns they may lose players to the new franchise.
"There is that feeling amongst some, but I think there's a bigger picture in play here.
"It's going to create a bigger pool of players, it's going to create a bigger pool of supporters and that's going to be for the benefit of everyone.
"So many of the Pasifika players are right behind that initiative. They can see it's another opportunity for them."
Blues assistant Tana Umaga will coach Moana Pasifika in their inaugural game but Sir Bryan says it's too early to say they want him to take charge in Super Rugby.
"That's down the track a wee bit at this stage. Let's get past this game first and we haven't ultimately got the go ahead for a Super team."
Sir Bryan Williams says dumped Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger, Blues assistants Tom Coventry and Ben Afeaki and Manu Samoa coach Seilala Mapusua will help Umaga next month.
