Chiefs prove too strong for Moana Pasifika in nine-try win

The Chiefs proved too strong for Moana Pasifika, running in nine tries in a commanding 57–24 Super Rugby Pacific victory after building a decisive first-half lead.

Moana Pasifika were forced onto the defensive early as the Chiefs came out firing. Winning quick ruck ball and spreading it wide, the Chiefs struck first when Quinn Tupaea sliced through the Moana defence to score inside the opening three minutes.

The pressure continued almost immediately. Slick passing and sharp attacking structure split the Moana line again, allowing fullback Liam Coombes-Fabling to finish in the corner.

Moana Pasifika responded through fullback Glen Vaihu, who burst through multiple tackles to score and bring his side back into the contest.

Chiefs winger Emoni Narawa thought he had crossed soon after, but the video referee ruled his foot was in touch before grounding the ball at the 14-minute mark.

Not long after, winger Leroy Carter dazzled his way down the sideline to score, extending the Chiefs’ lead.

Chiefs winger Leroy Carter signs autographs for young fans after scoring a hat-trick in the Super Rugby Pacific match against Moana Pasifika. Photo: DJ Mills/Photosport

The match then saw some disruption with Sami Peni Finau leaving the field with injury at the 17-minute mark, while Moana winger Solomon Alaimalo went off for a HIA, adding to the drama.

Moana Pasifika showed courage when they declined a shot at goal and instead backed their scrum. The decision paid off, with No. 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa powering over the line.

A huge defensive moment followed when Chiefs playmaker Damian McKenzie stopped Moana lock Allan Craig close to the line, a classic little-man-versus-big-man moment.

The Chiefs responded with forward pick-and-go pressure before Narawa struck again, finishing under the posts.

Moments later, McKenzie produced brilliance with a perfectly weighted kick-and-chase, regathering before moving the ball to Lalakai Foketi, who crossed in the corner.

Moana Pasifika tried to build phases late in the half but were intercepted by the Chiefs defence.

At halftime, Moana Pasifika trail 31–14.as the Chiefs cruise into the break.

Moana start the second half strongly, with their forwards making good inroads. The pressure pays off as Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa crashes over for his second try.

Moana Pasifika’s Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa powers forward with the ball during the Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Chiefs. He scored two tries for Moana Pasifika in the match. Photo/DJ Mills/Photosport

The Chiefs strike back quickly. Their forwards lay a strong platform before the ball is shifted wide, finding Leroy Carter who dives over for his second try of the night.

Carter is in again soon after. Following a powerful Chiefs maul from the lineout, the halfback spots space and spins the ball wide, allowing Leroy Carter to complete his hat-trick.

With his first touch of the game, Kyle Brown crosses the line as the Chiefs begin to open things up with cross-field kicks and adventurous attacking rugby.

Moana make changes with Tyler Pulini coming on for his debut with 15 minutes remaining.

Moana Pasifika midfielder Ngani Laumape carries the ball as a Chiefs defender closes in, during the Super Rugby Pacific match at FMG Stadium in Hamilton. Photo/DJ Mills/Photosport

Quinn Tupaea delivers a defensive masterclass as the Chiefs continue to apply pressure. After another strong maul close to the line, Tyrone Thompson powers over for a try.

Moana attempt to build momentum, putting together multiple phases, but struggle to convert opportunities as the Chiefs defence repeatedly shuts down their attack.

Replacement halfback Joel Lam injects some spark for Moana with quick taps and sharp running around the ruck.

After back-to-back penalties, Tevita Ofa finishes in the corner to give Moana a late try.

The Chiefs run out comfortable winners 57–24 as the Moana Pasifika suffer another tough defeat.

Moana Pasifika take on the Auckland Blues next weekend at Eden Park. The Chiefs have a bye and then it’s a clash with the ACT Brumbies on 20 March.