Over 6,000 passionate fans packed out North Harbour Stadium as Moana Pasifika put on a show defeating the Hurricanes 40 –31 on Saturday evening.
There was tailgating pre-match, the beautiful sounds of local band The LeftOvas welcoming fans, cultural performances and thrilling rugby making it an unforgettable night.
It was Moana Pasifika’s first victory of the season. Athletic loose forward Miracle Faiilagi was one of the stars of the game, recording the team’s first every hat-trick in Super Rugby Pacific.
The formidable Samoan international played out of his skin and was a huge part of the team’s success.
It was a physical match to start with each team exchanging tries, first to the Hurricanes’ Brayden Iose and then Faiilagi.
Star first-five Patrick Pellegrini was another highlight starting in his first every Super Rugby game, nailing five of six conversions and setting up an incredible run by Kyren Taumoefolau which ended in a Faiilagi try.
The forwards were influential in the scrum and maul, with new recruits Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and Millennium Sanerivi also crossing the line with determination.
The Hurricanes did well to stay in the contest with some late tries to winger Ngane Punivai and debutant Jone Rova.
All Blacks fullback Ruben Love got his first run of the season for the Hurricanes, scoring a try in the first half and making for a great contest against Taumoefolau in the backline.
Among the thousands of loud Moana faithful, were some devoted Hurricanes supporters who cheered on their team till the end.
Moana Pasifika now have a bye week, before taking a game to Pukekohe against the Chiefs at Navigation Homes Stadium on March 21st.
Moana Pasifika: 40
Tries: Miracle Faiilagi (3), Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Millennium Sanerivi.
Conversions: Patrick Pellegrini – 5
Western Force: 31
Tries: Brayden Iose, Ruben Love, Peter Lakai, Ngane Punivai, Jone Rova.
Conversions: Harry Godfrey – 3
What the teams said about the match
Moana Pasifika captain, Ardie Savea
“I’m more happy for the brothers in the changing room, the last couple of weeks we’ve been training hard. We’ve been going into some dark places in terms of our training and prep, and really looking in the mirror. It’s nice to see them reap the rewards of their labour. It’s a special feeling when everything can click.”
Moana Pasifika head coach, Tana Umaga
“The first three games we showed glimpses of what we can do, and then we put that together tonight. We’re only in round four and we’ve got a bye now and we want to keep improving.
“It was great to see the Drua get up on the Chiefs as well so the Pacific Islands are doing well. It’s great when you have Super Rugby Pacific and the Pacific teams are winning.”
“We won’t get ahead of ourselves, there’s plenty more for us to do.”
Hurricanes co-captain, Brad Shields
“I’ve been in teams where we’ve started seasons not as we would’ve liked. Eventually the more we stick at it, the more we trust our system, the more we trust each other. We keep showing up, our work intent is top class them some of those little things that are letting us down will start to switch.”
I think you’ve got to trust and believe that you’re doing the right stuff. When that clicks that’s all you need. The Hurricanes pride themselves on playing exciting rugby and sometimes we’ve just to be tight within our environment.
Hurricanes head coach, Clark Laidlaw
“The last thing we want is a competition where there is runaway teams. As hard as it is for us right now, Moana winning and the Drua winning today is what the competition needs and wants. Fair play to Moana, they took their chances and deserved the win. They’ve improved a lot over the two or three years. They’ve got some genuine players that can hurt you.
ENDS
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