Round 4 of Super Rugby Pacific - Moana Pasifika snagged a thrilling win. Outplaying the Western Force, Moana secured a 22-14 victory under the HBF Park lights. This is Moana's first win against the Western Force and second in this year's Super Rugby Pacific.
First Half under the lights
Moana Pasifika dominated the first half, and Sama Malolo powered his way over the try line. The Western Force, hampered by on-field mistakes, missed out on a potential try, and a forward pass but eventually found the scoreboard through a skilful chip kick from Chase Tiatia, which Bayley Kuenzle, the centre for Western Force, secured and scored under the posts earning them a conversion and seven points, edging ahead of Moana's initial unconverted five points. Right before the break, Wallabies' prop Sekope Kepu charged through to score, nudging Moana ahead with a 12-7 lead as the first half concluded.
A bit of old and new
Former Australian and Samoa International veteran Christian Leali'ifano collects a long line out pass that finds young debutant Winger Kyren Taumoefolau, who then puts the pedal to the metal and scores a 50-meter try, Lealiifano converts. It puts Moana at 19 to Western Force 7.
In the 61st minute, Tizzano narrowed the difference to just five points by scoring from a rolling maul. Despite missing two penalties earlier, Donaldson secured the conversion. However, the Force's hopes of victory were dashed in the 72nd minute when substitute flyhalf William Havili stepped up and slotted a 53-meter penalty, extending the visitors' lead to an eight-point margin.
Confidence building in Moana Squad
Moana Pasifika's win on Friday night puts them two wins out of four. They are doing much better than the previous seasons, and they are starting to make believers out of sceptics. As we watch their journey unfold, one thing is clear: the Super Rugby Pacific landscape is changing, with Moana Pasifika at the heart of that transformation. They promise a season of heart-pounding matches and unexpected twists. They're not just playing the game; they're changing it.