Super Rugby Pacific: Moana Pasifika boss Aaron Mauger cracks down on discipline

Moana Pasifika coach Aaron Mauger confirmed that two of his player will not be available for selection against the Fijian Drua due to a violation of team protocol.

Centre Levi Aumua and second row Samuel Slade will not be available for this weekend’s clash with the club not revealing any information on the incident.

Mauger says the decision emphasised the team commitment to their standard and discipline but confirmed it was not a serious misconduct.

“Our team is a new team and it’s really important we uphold the highest standards of discipline,” Mauger told Stuff.

“People make mistakes, young men make mistakes and they often find themselves in situations they get wrong.

“But there has got to be a consequence for that. It’s not a serious misconduct, but it’s enough for these two guys to stand down for a week and make sure they learn the lesson.”

Mauger says that both players have accepted their punishment and believes it is a good reminder of their team ethos.

“Both guys have owned it,” he said.

“They know they slipped up and they’re both quality men.

“They’ve been two of our best rugby players all year and they know they got it wrong, so there was a consequence coming.

“It’s what we’re about. A lot of the things we talk about on the field, about discipline, control and patience and all the things that will help us become a better rugby team.

“That doesn’t start on the field, it starts with how we are with everything we do.

“It sends a message with what we’re about and I know those guys will make it right, they both trained outstandingly today.

“It’s made them hungry and it’s a good reminder for everybody of what we’re about as a team.”

Their clash this weekend will be the first ever clash between Moana Pasifika and