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Moana Pasifika has created history by securing its first win in the Super Rugby Pacific competition on Friday night.
The win over the Hurricanes at Mt Smart Stadium came after a tough eighty minutes where both teams had to settle into golden point after being held to a 19 all draw.
Former Hurricane Danny Toala sealed the win in the 84th minute dotting down for the winning try against his former team.
The first half saw both teams share a try each with Jordie Barrett for the Hurricanes and Henry Time Stowers for Moana. Ill discipline from Moana Pasifika cost them two players – given yellow cards – and countless penalties. Despite being down 14 players for the majority of the first half, Moana held out the Hurricanes to a 7 all draw at half time.
The second half spelt out the same story as both teams were kept scoreless in the first ten minutes. Hurricanes debutant Josh Moorby dotted down for the first try in the 56th minute which could not be converted by Barrett. Their lead was short lived as Moana midfielder Levi Aumua crossed over the line in the corner not long after. Christian Leali’ifano failed to convert, resulting in the scores being tied once again at 12 all.
With time winding down on the clock, Hurricanes front rower Alex Fidow found his way across the try line to put them in front yet again. The try was converted successfully bringing the scoreboard to 19-12 with thirteen minutes left.
But Moana were not finished yet, as they powered their way to the try line through forward Solomone Funaki. Lealiifano nudged the conversion over to force the game to another 19-all deadlock.
The tied scoreline carried on after the final hooter, signalling golden point with ten minutes added. Four minutes into added time, Danny Toala put the game in the bag for Moana with an amazing try off a great kick and chase to the try line. Final score 24 – 19.
The win is the first for Moana Pasifika who are in their debut Super Rugby Pacific season.
After having a rocky start with Covid and match postponements, the victory could not have come at a more perfect time for captain Sekope Kepu and his men.
“We worked really hard in the pre-season and we knew we had it in us. We just had to string it together tonight” Kepu said.
“We had to work hard after last week, and we showed pride and passion tonight”.
