Moana Pasifika's Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa dives over for a try during an earlier match against the Highlanders at North Harbour Stadium. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
Highlanders v Moana Pasifika
Kick-off: 3:35pm Sunday 4 May
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Live blog updates on RNZ
Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa is well versed in sacrifice - before he was a teenager, the rising Moana Pasifika powerhouse made the solo 1600km journey south to forge his game in the bitter winters of Dunedin.
A far cry from the comforts of his home in Mangere, a 12-year-old Tupou Ta'eiloa was thrust into boarding life at Otago Boys High School.
"It was pretty scary. I didn't know anyone there, so just went there and just went straight to boarding house. It was a bit of a culture shock for me."
But Tupou Ta'eiloa said the shift south was hugely beneficial for both his game, and his personal growth.
"I think it gave me more of an opportunity to open my eyes, see what else is there. Being up here at home was just a bit of tunnel vision, not really thinking about life after school and going into down south, kind of opened those doors for me and opened my eyes a bit more."
The blockbusting number eight was well-known in college circles down south, due in no small part to a viral try he scored against John McGlashan College.
Swatting away defenders like they were a mere inconvenience, Tupou Ta'eiloa broke nine tackles on his way to a spectacular individual try.
Not that the humble Tongan-Kiwi would remind you of it.
"I forgot about that, can't really remember. I'll have to go back and look."
The 21-year-old is set for a reunion with several former team and flatmates from his days playing in both Dunedin and Invercargil with the Southland Stags, including Oliver Haig, Jake Te Iwi and Finn Hurley.
Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa of Southland makes a run during Wellington v Southland NPC match at Porirua Park, Wellington, New Zealand on Saturday 7 September 2024. Photo: Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz
"It's going to be real special for me just because it's the place I grew up. The place I call home too. So it'd be different feeling, but excited."
The Highlanders under the roof in Dunedin marks the first of four local derbies in Moana's run home.
The side sits just two points outside the top six and a potential first ever play-off berth.
"Every game is motivating. Everyone just keeps everyone accountable to not get comfortable every week, just trying to be better."
Having lit up the 2025 season with his dynamic ball carries and try scoring nous, Tupou Ta'eiloa has become an integral part of Moana's pack, and has no plans to go anywhere else.
"I haven't heard anything yet, so sounds like I'll stay here. I'm just happy to be here anyway. This is home for me now."
Leading the competition in carries, Tupou Ta'eiloa is likely on both the All Blacks and Tongan's radar for international selection, but he has given no thought ot whom he may pledge his allegiance to.
"I haven't thought about that at all. Purely focused on Super."
As for what has contributed to his form in 2025?
"Mum's cooking."
