Moana Pasifika are among the 10 teams in Christchurch for Super Round at the city's new One NZ Stadium.
In a welcome boost for Super Rugby Pacific, the 25,000-seat roofed venue will be at capacity for games on Friday and Saturday, and is expected to be full for Sunday's final two contests.
Pasifika are at long odds to return next year though, after ownership last week declared it unviable to continue investment beyond this season.
New investment - upwards of $7 million a season - is being sought, but the window to save the franchise, initially funded alongside Fijian Drua by World Rugby and introduced to Super Rugby Pacific in 2022, is closing rapidly.
Designed as a pathway for Tongan, Cook Islands and Samoan talent, Pasifika were unable to establish a permanent presence in those countries and instead battled for attention in Auckland.
Pasifika coach and All Blacks great Tana Umaga, as well as Samoan and New Zealand rugby icon Michael Jones fear rugby league will benefit as the NRL continues to surge in popularity in the region.
The Warriors have sold out their Saturday NRL clash with the Dolphins in Wellington, and there is heavy support for a second New Zealand side to rival them, based in the South Island.
But Robinson shot back on Friday, rattling off World Rugby's continued investment in all levels of men's and women's game in the islands as a reminder of the body's commitment.
"I have to say again to my friend (Australian Rugby League Commission chairman) Peter V'landys, with the greatest respect to your game, we are the game of the Pacific," the former Wallabies flanker said.
"Rugby's competitive advantage is that we are truly a global, international game.
"We have to stay true to our competitive edge ... we have to keep it all in perspective.
"World Rugby doesn't underwrite professional teams.Â
"It's not our job, but what we will do is invest heavily in creating and supporting the capability of international teams, where we can."
Super Rugby Pacific boss Jack Mesley said clubs needed to be "fan-centric and drive revenue and not be reliant on handouts".
"We can't be sitting here looking at Brett (to help)," he said.
More than 14,000 fans have travelled to Christchurch for Super Round, which was held three times in Melbourne before being axed last season following the Rebels' demise.
The concept is yet to lock in a home beyond this year, but Mesley is confident the buzz of its return will drive up interest.
"It's a pivotal moment for this city and our Crusaders, arguably the best club rugby team in the world, for this city to really have the final showpiece in their rebuild (since the 2011 earthquake)," he said.
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