Moana Pasifika’s bench proved crucial despite their defeat to the Force

Moana Pasifika’s impact players proved crucial in closing the gap on their 35-19 defeat against the Western Force on Friday night.

At a lively Pukekohe Stadium in Auckland, Moana’s magic came late, scoring two consecutive tries in the final minutes.

Dominating more than 80 per cent of territory in the last 10 minutes, Moana sparked hope for fans when impact player Melani Matavao scored their second try, followed by lock Allan Craig right on full-time.

In a post-match conference, head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga says the bench is “always important for us [the team].”

“Every time we go out, we talk about our energisers, I like to call them, because they have to bring energy and I thought they showed so much energy.

“And we had a few guys making their debuts tonight, so they had something to play for, but they did what we expected of them.”

Vaiolini Ekuasi of the Western Force. Photo/Shane Wenzlick/Photosport

But a mid-game lull saw Moana’s body language drop, and the impact could not make up for their lack of cohesion earlier on.

Umaga acknowledges that choosing the timing of replacements is not straightforward.

“It’s just one of those things you’ve got to have a feel for, you know, the timing of it… there’s a lot of things that go into it.

“But I thought with the minutes that those guys [impact players] got, they did themselves and their families proud and that’s all we can ask,” Umaga says.

Moana Pasifika fans. Photo/Shane Wenzlick/Photosport

A five-tries-to-three match saw Western Force assert dominance from the first whistle, with Force winger Darby Lancaster scoring the game opener within the first 10 minutes.

A standout for the Force was former Crusader and All Black winger George Bridge, who ran in a try after being denied earlier in the first half by Moana’s Denzel Samoa.

Western Force’s head coach Simon Cron touched on the value Bridge adds to this side.

“He’s an amazing leader for us and a great man. He’s a professional and he’s really driven… and after tonight's game he’ll be the first one to review the whole game and come to us and talk about fixes and solutions.”

A crucial win for the Force gives them the boost they need heading into their round four match against the Highlanders, who lost 31-14 to the Brisbane Reds.

Meanwhile Moana’s captain Miracle Faiilagi says preparation starts now in order to execute “stacking moments” they couldn’t against the Force.

“Just focusing on the next job, coming back on Monday, and encouraging the boys to get their recovery in and change their mindset.”

Moana are set to play the Waikato Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday 6 March. For more information on fixtures and results, click here.