(Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images)
Moana Pasifika have made history, winning back-to-back games for the first time in franchise history, following their 45-28 victory over the Waratahs on Saturday afternoon.
Coming back from 21-7 at half-time to a strong Waratahs team, the Moana men flipped the script and outshined the visitors with six tries in the second half alone. The team is currently first equal with the Crusaders for most tries scored with 40 so far at the end of Round 8.
Here are some highlights from the match.
Welcome back Fine Inisi
There’s a reason Fine Inisi and his brother Lotu were named joint recipients of the 2024 Fans’ Player of the year.
Coming off the bench for his first appearance of the season, Inisi had a masterful performance, scoring a try in the corner mid-air late in the second half.
He put Waratahs defenders on the back foot with his athleticism and unpredictable running game that he’s become known for.
Following the match, Inisi said “It’s always an honour and privilege to get on the field with the boys, and to be able to have a part in winning the game is a massive privilege.”
“We have a crazy amount of depth in our squad this year, our non-playing group week in and week out prep us so well. They keep everyone on their feet, keeping everyone honest and always bring the intensity to trainings.”
Suali’i stands out
Joseph Sua’ali’i was tremendous in his first match against Moana Pasifika. The fullback made an impact creating multiple opportunities for his teammates.
One of these came off an incredible break which set up winger Triston Reilly’s, as well as Andrew Kellaway’s try before the half-time break.
As much as there were a crowd of passionate Moana Pasifika fans, there were also many supporters excited to witness the former Sydney Rooster star light up the park.
Feleti’s hat-trick
Moana Pasifika’s 22-year-old prop Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou scored three tries in just his fourth Super Rugby match.
The formidable front-rower continues to go from strength to strength the more he plays.
Head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga praised the Manawatū representative’s dedication. “It’s a credit to Feleti with the work that he’s done right back to when he first came in with us and continues to do right up to this point. He’s done all the work, he’s got the opportunities and he played really well last week and this week.
“Not many people knew who he was when he came here and he hadn’t played much NPC. He was given an opportunity and he’s gaining the rewards for it, as are we. That was the potential we saw in him. Everything that he does is through his hard work and his want to be better,” Umaga said.
Depth
Depth has been a big talking point over the last few weeks for Moana Pasifika, and it showed against the Waratahs.
Particularly in the loose forwards with Miracle Faiilagi out this week due to a hamstring injury.
After the game, captain Ardie Savea said: “I’m very proud of the loose trio of boys that we’ve got in our group. I was out and then Semisi was out and now this week Miracle is out. Guys are just stepping in and stepping out and that’s the level we want to get to as a trio.”
It’s been a huge part of Moana’s success so far with everyone competing for their spot on the team and wanting to perform at their best every week.
What the teams said about the match
Moana Pasifika captain, Ardie Savea
“A lot of people doubted us but the one person that believed in us was God. We start with him and we finish with him and he’s taken us to levels that we can’t comprehend. We haven’t arrived…our goal as leaders in this team is to keep striving for excellence.”
Waratahs captain, Hugh Sinclair
“We were good in the first half, we stuck to a plan and we played to that plan. We had a bit of luck and we scored some good tries. In the second half we can’t just fall off tackles.
“When you’ve got guys like Ardie Savea, giving him space to run makes life difficult. We did that to ourselves and fair play to them.”
ENDS
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