Moana Pasifika’s 2025 season has come to an end after a 64 – 12 loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday night.
It was a thrilling opening half as both teams got off to a quick start in front of huge crowd of 20,000 people.
Within the first 2 minutes Moana Pasifika’s Defensive Player of the Year, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa won a turnover in the ruck, and the Hurricanes’ Peter Lakai did the same a few plays later.
An intercepted pass by Solomon Alaimalo led to a superb try from Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa to open the game. The Hurricanes answered back with a couple tries to Jacob Devery off a maul, and Devan Flanders.
The Hurricanes attacking flair was on full display as they continued applying pressure and busted through multiple tackles.
Despite the offensive pressure, Moana Pasifika did their best to stay composed and remain solid on defence.
Ardie Savea won back to back turnovers in the final minutes of the first half to inspire his team. But an intercept try by Cam Roigard and another try by Peter Umaga-Jensen, took the home side out to a lead of 28-7 to end the first half.
In the second half the Hurricanes continued to dictate the game, forcing Moana into errors and adding to their tally.
In his first match this year, Moana Pasifika’s Lotu Inisi came off the bench in the 51st minute and quickly made an impact with his powerful carries.
Moana Pasifika got across the line late in the second half with a try to Ardie Savea. But the Hurricanes kept the foot on the gas, finding gaps in Moana’s defensive line.
The Hurricanes have solidified their place in fourth spot and now prepare to play the Brumbies in the playoffs next week.
It concludes a historic season for Moana Pasifika who finished with 6 wins, the most they’ve ever won in a single season.
From the record-breaking home crowds to the incredible support around the world, it’s been a memorable season that has changed the club forever.
Despite not getting the result they had wished for, it’s encouraging for Moana Pasifika as they continue to build and look towards the future.
Moana Pasifika: 12
Tries: Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Ardie Savea
Conversions: Patrick Pellegrini – 1
Penalties: Nil
Hurricanes: 64
Tries: Jacob Devery, Devan Flanders, Cam Roigard, Peter Umaga-Jensen (2), Raymond Tuputupu, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Billy Proctor, Ere Enari, Tjay Clarke.
Penalties: Nil
Conversions: Reuben Love – 7
ENDS
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