Heartbreak for Moana Pasifika in overtime loss to Force

Moana Pasifika lost a heartbreaking 45-44 point match to the Western Force in Perth on Saturday evening.  

Down 44-38 in the 83^rd minute, the Western Force remained composed putting together a massive 26 phases, before Ben Donaldson found a gap in the defence, and bolted from just outside the 22-metre line to score under the posts.  

Donaldson converted his try and was a standout for his side, contributing six conversions and a penalty goal as well. 

It was the highest-scoring match of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific opening round, with both teams scoring six tries each making for an entertaining spectacle.  

The tit for tat contest saw Moana Pasifika and the Western Force come out strong from the outset.

HBF Park has become an away stomping ground for Moana Pasifika’s Kyren Taumoefolau. The athletic winger scored two tries including the first one of the game, at the same place he scored in his debut start last season.

After recording his first try in Moana colours, playmaker Jackson Garden-Bachop increased the lead with a drop goal taking his side 17-3 early in the game.

But the home team remained powerful and swift on attack. Their flanker Carlo Tizzano answering back with a try out of a successful Force lineout.  

Then off the back of a charged kick, Miracle Faiilagi had the ball and busted through a tackle, handing off to Pepesana Patafilo for Moana’s third try.  

The Force remained controlled building phases before Marley Pearce’s converted try took them out to a 31-27 lead with 30 minutes to go.  

Moana Pasifika were dominant in the scrum and set piece, winning ball and creating opportunities.  

Taumoefolau crossed the line again in the 61^st minute with help from Faiilagi who came in to push him over.  

Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa was the energiser Moana Pasifika needed in the second half with some great carries throughout the match, leading to his own try on debut.

While Moana Pasifika managed to lead 44-31 with less than 10 minutes left, it wasn’t enough as the Force were relentless till the very end.

Moana Pasifika: 44 

Tries: Kyren Taumoefolau (2), Jackson Garden-Bachop, Pepesana Patafilo, Jonathan Taumateine and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa.   

Conversions: William Havili – 4 

Drop goals: Jackson Garden-Bachop – 1 

Penalty goals: William Havili – 1 

Western Force: 45 

Tries: Carlo Tizzano (2), Ben Donaldson, Mac Grealy, Marley Pearce and Dylan Pietsch. 

Conversions: Ben Donaldson – 6 

Penalty goals: Ben Donaldson – 1 

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What the teams said about the match

Western Force fly-half, Ben Donaldson 

“It’s huge just to get the win. We spoke all pre-season about showing up for each other and that’s what we did tonight.” 

Western Force Head Coach, Simon Cron 

“It showed some unwavering grit, it’s important to learn how to win late.” 

“We’ve talked about a lot of teams in Western Force history having a lot of unwavering grit and fighting till the 83^rd minute. I think these boys did that today so full credit to them. Moana were going to the end too, they were in the fight and putting everything into it so full credit to them, what a great side.”

Moana Pasifika Captain, Ardie Savea 

“We knew the Force was going to be tough. Unfortunately we couldn’t hold it in that last quarter and that’s a testament to the Force.” 

“I want to come out and win and we didn’t get that. But we’ll celebrate the guys that put on the jersey for the first time today. We’ll regroup again and go to Brisbane and try get the dub there.” 

Moana Pasifika Head Coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga 

“We’ve got a lot of guys that are down in our changing room. Sports not a fairytale, it can be cruel sometimes. But you’ve got to take your hat off to the Western Force and their tenacity.” 

“They held the ball for a long time at the end there and our boys gave everything they could. You can’t ask much more from players as a coach. The effort and the heart that they put in.” 

“The Force made some smart plays and Donaldson is a class player and he took his opportunity.”  

“I think we showed we can compete with anyone. It’s making sure that those moments we make errors don’t cost us.” 

Moana Pasifika winger Kyren Taumoefolau 

“I’m proud of the boys efforts today. At times we took the foot of the throat, we’ll take the learnings and move forward.” 

ENDS

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