\u201cWhen our game against Tonga didn\u2019t go through straight away, we had the Northland Union come to us and say, \u2018we\u2019d love to have you\u2019, which they\u2019ve done numerous times and the Blues said, \u2018no, that\u2019s in our region, you can\u2019t go there\u2019,\u201d Umaga said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen this year, because we play our other games at Pukekohe and obviously that\u2019s in the Chiefs region, the Blues tried to state to us, \u2018well, actually that\u2019s within the Auckland super city\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what we\u2019re up against but that\u2019s fine. We just have to look back in our past as Pacific Islanders around how tough it is for us here.\u201d<\/p>\n
After their scheduled April 11 clash against the Chiefs in Tonga<\/a> fell through and Pukekohe wasn\u2019t an option, Rotorua saved the day<\/a>, although that match is also in Chiefs territory.<\/p>\n Blues chief executive Karl Budge was quick to pour cold water on Umaga\u2019s comments, saying he\u2019s \u201ctrying to create a bit of extra spice\u201d before this weekend\u2019s match.<\/p>\n \u201cTana was one of my idols growing up and I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a coach, and he is entitled to his opinions,\u201d Budge said.<\/p>\n \u201cI think this is Tana trying to create a bit of extra spice against their cross-town rivals ahead of our game on Sunday. We have really enjoyed the rivalry we\u2019ve created on the field and this weekend will be no different. <\/p>\n \u201cIt has been great to see our two proud clubs work closely together to promote the game and ensure rugby fans, be they in Blues or Moana Pasifika jerseys, get out and support their team. <\/p>\n \u201cWe look forward to what will be another tough game against them at Eden Park on Sunday.\u201d<\/p>\n Moana Pasifika won 27-21 in their last Super Rugby Pacific game against the Blues, their first win from six attempts.<\/p>\n Moana Pasifika are currently bottom of the standings, with one win in four games, while the Blues are fourth with two wins and two defeats.<\/p>\nKarl Budge is in his first season as chief executive of the Blues. Photo \/ Supplied<\/p>\n