An incredible try by Manu Samoa’s Melani Matavao in the final minutes has secured Moana Pasifika’s first-ever victory over the Highlanders, 34-29 at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
The points came early for both teams with Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens scoring the opening try.
Moana Pasifika answered back with some power and pace to get Danny Toala over the line. His midfield partner Lalomilo Lalomilo played a big part, charging his way up the side of the touch line to create the opportunity.
The Highlanders kept applying pressure, stretching Moana’s defence which saw them score a second try in the 14th minute thanks to Jonah Lowe.
It was a magnificent showcase of Moana’s midfield prowess and dangerous connection with Toala threading the needle to set up Lalomilo for a brilliant try.
Another chance to score came not long after, with Kyren Taumoefolau getting his shot on the right wing. But the competition’s leader in defenders beaten, Timoci Tavatavanawai busted through with the try-saving tackle. He continued to have an impact for his team on both ends of the field.
Highlanders’ loose forward TK Howden was a highlight for the home team in the first half, with 52 metres made, 7 carries, three tackles and a superb offload.
A succesful penalty conversion by William Havili in the 41st minute, gave Moana Pasifika a 17-12 lead at halftime.
The Highlanders came into the second half rejuvenated, dominating the ruck with a series of turnovers.
But Ardie Savea continued to impress showing why he leads Super Rugby’s MVP ladder, with a sensational try off his own kick.
The rest of the game was tit for tat. Moana were left scrambling as the Highlanders applied pressure in their 22. A tremendous behind-the-back pass from Folau Fakatava led to another Lowe try.
A reward for Moana Pasifika’s persistence came with a nice assist from Taumoefolau to the miracle man Faiilagi, to get across the line.
Moana’s forwards duo Ofa Tauatevlu and Pone Fa’amausili also came on for their Super Rugby debut late in the second half.
Then with only five minutes left of play and down 29-27, Melani Matavao charged a Highlanders kick and scored a spectacular try mid-air to clinch the victory. It was a special moment for a hard-working player that has earned his place in Super Rugby Pacific.
Moana Pasifika: 34
Tries: Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Ardie Savea, Miracle Faiilagi, Melani Matavao
Conversions: Jackson Garden-Bachop – 2, Patrick Pellegrini – 1
Penalties: William Havili – 1
Highlanders: 29
Tries: Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Jonah Lowe (2), Jack Taylor
Conversions: Cam Millar – 2, Taine Robinson – 1
Penalties: Cam Millar – 1
What the teams said about the match:
Moana Pasifika head coach, Fa’alogo Tana Umaga
“That effort that Melani Matavao put in for the charge down epitomises how much it meant for us. I’m proud of everything we’ve achieved but we get a week to refresh, and have got a strong finish. That’s going to be tough for us, but we’re putting ourselves in a position where we’re competing to be in the top six and we’re pretty happy about it.”
Highlanders head coach, Jamie Joseph
“We played enough rugby to win that game and it was a tight game no doubt. It came down to errors, we made more errors, came down to our lineout under pressure from ourselves not necessarily our opposition.”
“It came down to a moment where we actually won the game with two or three minutes to go and not being able to execute…so there’s some hard lessons to learn.”
ENDS
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