Moana Pasifika were defeated by the Western Force 35-19 in Pukekohe on Friday night.
The Force came out strong, dominating on attack and scoring early with debutant Darby Lancaster getting across the line for the first try.
The visitors robust defence was hard to break and they continued to pressure Moana Pasifika’s playmakers with their kicking game.
Millennium Sanerivi scored Moana’s first points after fighting his way to the try-line. The Force commanded the first half with former All Black George Bridge also getting a try just before the break, to highlight his first match back on New Zealand soil.
Moana winger Denzel Samoa blocked Bridge’s first try attempt after tackling him and forcing a knock-on.
The hosts showed promise in the second half but were unable to make the most of their opportunities, as the Force led for the entire match.
Melani Matavao was the spark plug the home side needed, scoring with 10 minutes left in the game. He saw a gap in the defence and went for it, with four Force players attempting to stop the feisty replacement half.
As always the faithful fans of Pukekohe brought the noise and energy, and stayed back afterwards as Moana Pasifika celebrated William Havili’s 50th match milestone.
Moana Pasifika now prepare for their match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday night.
What the teams said about the match
Western Force head coach Simon Cron
“I thought even against the Blues the boys showed some really good rugby, that first half for example we were up against them. It was just the 15 minutes after half time we let them back in.
“So every week it’s about getting better and every week it’s about building on some key work ons. I thought the boys against the Blues were much better than against the Brumbies, and this week they were much more complete in that block when they came out at halftime.”
Moana Pasifika head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga
“We weren’t able to build any momentum through a very good and committed Western Force side. They didn’t give up, they just really niggled away at us and we made errors and gave away penalties, and we couldn’t put any positive moments together.
“We have to be accurate every time we turn up and trust in what we do and execute that, so it was a lesson for us today.”
ENDS
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