Just four games into their Super Rugby life, Moana Pasifika have already proved they belong in arguably the world's strongest club competition, insists Blues coach Leon MacDonald.
As one of two new sides in the new 'Pacific' format, Moana Pasifika were expected to struggle initially, playing in the same conference as the five other NZ-based sides.
On paper, a newly established team shouldn't have the ability or experience to mix with the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders or Highlanders, all previous Super Rugby winners.
But rugby isn't played on paper and Moana Pasifika have already shown they can not only challenge, but defeat the best New Zealand has to offer.
Set back by COVID-19 before the competition even began, they impressed from the word go. In their debut, they challenged the second-string Crusaders, before falling to defeat, and did the same against a COVID-hit Chiefs.
Last week, the team created history by defeating the Hurricanes in 'Golden Point' and backed that up just three days later with another impressive showing against the Blues, albeit in defeat.
From four games, Moana Pasifika have won one and lost three. By comparison, they boast the same number of wins as Super Rugby's other newcomers, Fijian Drua, despite playing two fewer games in a much harder side of the draw.
These displays have made the New Zealand teams sit up and take notice, with MacDonald explaining Moana Pasifika are here to stay.
"They rattled the Crusaders in the early rounds, they were in the game at halftime against the Chiefs, but the Chiefs were able to pull away from them," he says.
"Obviously with [beating] the Hurricanes and now us, no-one's been spared from Moana yet - they're a great team.
"I know that everybody's giving them full respect. When they get their tails up, they're extremely hard to stop.
"Some of the plays they have are nearly impossible - the offloads they can do, all the footwork.
"They belong in this comp, they've brought an awesome flavour, their own style and their culture's really strong.
"I know there's a lot of people really proud of their team and supporting them."
Despite Tuesday's win, MacDonald's task won't be any easier, when his side meet Moana Pasifika again on Saturday in a reverse fixture at Eden Park.
With only days before his side's next clash, he concedes there isn't enough time for his side to learn from their win, that saw them challenged in the second half, after a red card to All Blacks prop Nepo Laulala.
"I think both teams will take a lot from this performance. They'd have seen opportunities that they enjoyed against us and want to do the same, and likewise for us.
"Given we've only got a four-day turnaround, there won't be a huge amount being able to change.
"We just need to freshen up, make sure we've got the right mindset to go into the performance."
Join us at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the Blues v Moana Pasifkia Super Rugby Pacific clash
