(Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Moana Pasifika lost 24-0 to the Brumbies at Navigation Homes Stadium on Saturday night. A tough match against a strong Brumbies side that didn’t let up.
Here are some takeaways from the match.
Brumbies defence
Moana Pasifika came into the match as the highest-scoring team in the competition. But the Brumbies stood their ground, keeping the hosts scoreless with an immense defensive effort.
They were determined to not let Moana Pasifika over the line, with previous matches showing how dangerous they can be on attack. Props to the Brumbies’ who were persistent and kept their composure despite slippery conditions.
Toole’s double
The Brumbies’ speedy winger Corey Toole was a difference maker in his side’s win, scoring the first try of the game in the 40th minute. From then on, the Brumbies gained momentum with Toole scoring again late in the match to secure the victory.
The Brumbies made the most of their opportunities whether that was scoring off a rolling maul or using the skilfulness of their backs to punish the home team.
Moana Pasifika fans still win
Despite the result Moana Pasifika’s fans were as passionate as ever. Waving their flags, chanting, singing and keeping spirits high.
Moana Pasifika superfan ‘body paint guy’ was in the front row again, this time dressed as Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. He brought the energy and vibes, and is a big part of the Moana home game experience.
Moana Pasifika’s final five
Moana Pasifika now have five games left, with two of those at their home of North Harbour Stadium. Their next challenge is against the Fijian Drua who are coming off a win over the Waratahs at their Lautoka fortress. The battle of the Pacific always provides the electrifying moments and both teams will surely be up for the big clash.
Fa’alogo Tana Umaga’s men then head to Dunedin to face the Highlanders, followed by a bye week, the Blues at home, and Chiefs and Hurricanes away. It won’t be easy but Moana Pasifika have shown they can be a threat on their best day, with exceptional flair and a fighting spirit.
What the teams said about the match
Moana Pasifika head coach, Fa’alogo Tana Umaga
“There were opportunities missed, we entered their 22 nine times and we usually come away with points. That’s a learning for us, we can’t take things for granted. I can’t fault the effort and the heart, I think it was one of our best defensive efforts, but again you can’t just keep giving them entries into our 22 and think that we’re going to stop them every time. They’re too good a side.”
Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham
“To come away with a win against Moana with the form that they’ve had this year, we’re very happy with that. Keeping them to zero also showed that our preparation was good from a defence point of view…I thought the boys fronted up defensively, we spoke about tackle completions this week at training.”
ENDS
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