In the 3rd round of Super Rugby Pacific, the Melbourne Rebels clinched a 29-23 victory against Moana Pasifika at FMG Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand, on March 8, 2024. This crucial win in Round 3 propels the Rebels to a 2-1 standing for the season, momentarily placing them at the top of the Super Rugby ladder.
It was a tale of missed opportunities for Moana Pasifika, contrasting sharply with their previous victory. Their performance was marred by errors and a lack of cohesion, particularly in the first half, which saw them trailing behind.
Julian Savea becomes Super Rugby Pacific all-time leading try scorer
Julian Savea's achievement of scoring his 61st try, surpassing the record, was the highlight for Moana Pasifika. His try in the 49th minute was a glimmer of hope for the team, yet it wasn't enough to secure a win. Savea, known for his humility, chose to focus on the team's need for improvement rather than dwelling on his individual success.
Rebels' Forwards Dominate Scrum Battle
The Rebels ' forward pack was a standout feature of the game, which showcased their dominance in the scrum and decisively impacted the game's outcome. The Rebels' scrummaging prowess was particularly evident in the match's latter stages, enabling Lachie Anderson to score his second try of the night and secure a bonus point for the team.
Despite being down to 14 men following Alan Craig's yellow card for collapsing a rolling maul, Moana Pasifika found themselves overpowered in crucial scrums, highlighting the Rebels' strategic use of their forwards to gain an advantage.
Moana Pasifika's Disciplinary Issues Prove Costly
Disciplinary issues also plagued Moana Pasifika, with Allan Craig and Jacob Norris receiving yellow cards, which significantly impacted their ability to maintain momentum. Despite these challenges, William Havili's late penalty secured a losing bonus point for the home side.
The loss serves as a stark reminder for Moana Pasifika of the relentless competitiveness of the Super Rugby Pacific tournament. As they reflect on this match, the focus will undoubtedly be on addressing the errors and improving their start to ensure a stronger performance in future encounters.