Moana Pasifika make history with first win over Highlanders, clinch sixth spot

Moana Pasifika surge into the top six with a thrilling win over the Highlanders.

Moana Pasifika made a strong move towards the Super Rugby finals by achieving the thrilling 34-29 victory in Dunedin on Sunday.

The win marks the first time Moana Pasifika have defeated the Highlanders. It’s the team’s fifth win of the season, allowing them to climb into a playoff position.

The match was exciting, with both teams exchanging tries and the lead changing hands several times.

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens scored the first try to give the home side an early lead.

But Moana quickly answered with a try from Danny Toala.

The Highlanders then added another try from Jonah Lowe, but Moana regained control of the game, scoring a try from Lalomilo Lalamilo and ending the first half ahead by 17-12.

In the second half, the pace picked up even more. Cam Miller scored a penalty for the Highlanders, bringing them closer.

However, Moana captain Ardie Savea made a crucial play, scoring a try that extended their lead.

The Highlanders quickly responded with another try from Lowe, followed by a strong effort from Moana’s Miracle Fai’ilagi.

As the game neared its end, the Highlanders managed to level the score and even took a brief lead.

But Moana Pasifika rallied back with a remarkable try from Melani Matavao. In the final moments, the Highlanders tried one last attack but couldn’t score, sealing Moana's victory.

The win also helps Moana Pasifika improve its chances of making the finals, moving it into sixth place in the standings.

The Highlanders have now lost three matches and sit in 10th place, further from playoff contention.

In other Super Rugby action on the weekend, the Hurricanes defeated the Chiefs, the Brumbies proved too strong for the Waratahs, 40-17.

Photo/file

Moana Pasifika 34 (Tries: Toala, Lalomilo, Ardie Savea, Faiilagi, Matavao; Cons: Garden-Bachop 2, Pellegrini; Pens: Havili).

Highlanders 29 (Tries: Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Lowe 2, Taylor; Cons: Millar 2, Robinson; Pens: Millar).

Highlanders: (15-1) Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Sam Gilbert, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jonah Lowe, Cameron Millar, Nathan Hastie, Hugh Renton, Sean Withy, Te Kamaka Howden, Oliver Haig, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma’u, Soane Vikena, Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: Jack Taylor, Josh Bartlett, Rohan Winghan, Mitch Dunshea, Veveni Lasaqa, Folau Fakatava, Taine Robinson, Josh Whaanga

Moana Pasifika (15-1): William Havili, Tevita Ofa, Lalomilo Lalamilo, Danny Toala, Kyren Taumoefolau, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Jonathan Taumateine, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Ardie Savea (captain), Miracle Faiilagi, Samuel Slade, Tom Savage, Chris Apoua, Millennium Sanerivi, Tito Tuipulotu.
Replacements: Tomasi Maka, Monu Moli, Pone Fa’amausili, Ofa Tauatevalu, Sione Havili Talitui, Melani Matavao, Julian Savea, Patrick Pellegrini.

Referee: Paul Williams
Assistant referees: Angus Mabey, Mike Winter
TMO: Richard Kelly