The Highlanders, who returned to Dunedin yesterday after a three-week trip to South Africa, have not beaten a New Zealand opponent in the Super 14 since trumping the Blues 25-13 at Carisbrook on February 17, 2006.
Since that night, the Highlanders have lost nine consecutive games against New Zealand opposition, something that grates Moore as much as it provides fodder for critics of the southern franchise.
There is renewed speculation the Highlanders may face an uncertain future when the Super 14 is revamped in 2010.
Moore is contracted through that year and doesn't even want to think about the prospect of being a coach without a team.
"I think it would be a huge backward step if New Zealand dropped a franchise," Moore said.
"There are a lot of players heading overseas, which is a concern. Maybe that raises the question of whether we have the depth for five franchises, and I believe we have".
"We've got a lot of young talent floating around and we've got a responsibility to develop some of that."
Even on the other side of the world, Moore could not escape the sniping at the Highlanders - who have only won two of their 10 games - and the speculation they would be sacrificed in 2010.
Then, on the team's transit through Auckland on their way home, he picked up the local paper to find an All Black great saying the Highlanders were not good enough to be in the Super 14 and New Zealand did not have the depth to support five franchises.
"I read this morning that Sean Fitzpatrick was making some comments about the Highlanders. I find that interesting, given he's been away for a number of years".
"It's disappointing to hear a lot of negative feedback but it's nothing new. There are obviously some changes coming but I certainly don't think it will mean the end of the Highlanders."
Moore said the Highlanders, who let a golden opportunity to beat the Hurricanes slip at Carisbrook earlier this year and were well beaten by the Chiefs, would desperately like to taste derby victory against the Blues.
The win could help them finish as high as 10th and would also return the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy to Carisbrook.
Most of the players in the squad did not know Hunter, who died in 2002, but Moore did, and he knows the memory of the revered former Highlanders and Otago coach can be powerful motivation.
"We're definitely going to talk about it this week. In fact, we've already talked about Gordie in our debrief of the Cheetahs game".
"We've got to recognise the fact he was a real icon of rugby in the south. It's a special occasion to be playing for the trophy in his name."
Moore will know more today about which players he can consider to play the Blues.
Steven Setephano, Alando Soakai, Daniel Bowden and James Wilson were all invalided out of the African tour, and Matt Saunders, Clint Newland, Brett Mather, Johnny Leota and Mike Delany are all carrying various knocks.
The Highlanders have today off and will only have one full training tomorrow afternoon.
