Moana Pasifika coach Aaron Mauger is confident his side has shown they have what it takes to become a force in Super Rugby Pacific, despite a difficult first season in the competition.
Their inaugural campaign comes to an end against the Brumbies on Saturday, but it's been a season to remember for the former All Black and one he looks back on with pride.
The debutants dealt with a series of off-field challenges, including having to reschedule five games after opposition teams battled COVID-19.
But despite that, Mauger is pleased with what they've been able to achieve and is looking to go out on a high against the stampeding Brumbies.
"I look back with a lot of pride on our first season. I think we've managed to achieve a massive amount," he said.
"Just getting up and surviving through to the end of the season we've had. We've had quite a few challenges come our way.
"There's so much to celebrate, there's so much to play for again this weekend."
Moana Pasifika have struggled for consistency this season with their sole victory coming against the Hurricanes.
Mauger has urged patience and believes that his team just needs time to settle into the demands of Super Rugby.
"We belong here and we're only going to get better - that's the exciting thing," he said.
"The conversation we're having now around the learning we have captured this year - we know a lot of that is in our control and put in the right structure around our boys to grow."
Mauger remains committed to the challenge and admits that while being based in Auckland and away from his family in Dunedin hasn't been easy, it's a worthy sacrifice.
"I miss my family, I miss my babies, I'm looking forward to reconnecting post-season," he said.
"We're so committed to helping Moana Pasifika get set up and we know it's going to take three, four, five years to really establish our roots and be competitive with everybody."
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