Remarkable weekend for Pacific sports

Bula vinaka! What a weekend of sports, especially since our Pacific teams achieved significant victories. Let’s dive into it.

Moana Pasifika secure first win of the season

Mana Moana! The boys in blue achieved their first win of the season, beating the Hurricanes 41-30 in front of thousands of roaring fans.

With a four-try succession in the second half, Moana stretched their lead against the ‘Canes and effectively shut down any attempts at a comeback. A standout performance from fly-half Patrick Pellegrini helped facilitate two slick tries for the side.

Kyren Taumoefolau continued to impress as one of Moana’s most exciting wingers, while a thrilling hat-trick from backrower Miracle Faiilagi showcased Moana’s dynamic play across the field.

Patrick Pellegrini with fans. Photo/Moana Pasifika.

Despite a late effort from the Hurricanes, Moana held on to secure their first win of the season and their first win over a New Zealand side since 2022.

The North Harbour-based team will now have a break during the bye round. I am incredibly proud of their effort.

Fijian Drua win big at home

Toso Drua Toso! The Fijian Drua also secured their first win of the season, beating the previously undefeated Chiefs in Lautoka 28-24.

Tries from Meli Derenalagi, Vuate Karawalevu, and a spectacular solo effort by Ponipate Loganimasi sealed the win, despite a late consolation try from Chiefs captain Tupou Vaa’i.

Mesake Voce Voce with fans after the match. Photo/Fiji Drua.

The passionate fans seemed to energise the team, and it was a special win to witness following their tough trip to New Zealand last week.

The victory marks the Drua’s seventh straight home win, as they now prepare to face the Brumbies in Canberra.

Super Rugby Aupiki kicks off

The women’s premier rugby competition is now in full swing, with four teams battling it out for Super Rugby Aupiki glory.

A huge highlight for me was the grand final rematch between the Blues and the Chiefs Manawa, which went down to the wire!

Photo/Super Rugby NZ.

We saw some strong collisions between both sides, each determined to win. A standout moment was Katelyn Vahaakolo sprinting past winger Ruby Tui on the right edge.

It was a fantastic interaction between the young star and the veteran, with both players embracing after the game.

Meanwhile, the South Island’s Matatū cruised to victory over the Hurricanes Poua in Christchurch, winning convincingly 29-7. Congratulations to our women’s teams this weekend!

Black Caps fall short in ICC final

The Black Caps’ wait for another ICC Champions Trophy title will have to continue, as India beat New Zealand by four wickets.

India’s spinners shut down New Zealand, limiting them to 251-7, with some tight bowling.

Photo/Black Caps.

Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell contributed solid half-centuries, but the Black Capsstruggled to gain momemtum, allowing India to chase down the target with four wicketsremaining.

This marks India’s third Champions Trophy win, while New Zealand’s wait for a major limited-overs title continues - they haven’t won one since 2000.

Alex Pereira toppled in Las Vegas

Chama ou no chama? (A slang phrase similar to “come on or let’s go.”) This was the signature tagline for the world’s most popular fighter, Alex Pereira. The UFC light heavyweight champion was defeated by Magomed Ankalaev in a unanimous decision.

Ankalaev won the decision, but the fight lacked excitement, with Ankalaev blaming Pereira for the lack of action.

The Russian fighter accused Pereira of "running away" for the duration of the fight, saying that it didn’t go as expected because of Pereira’s lack of engagement.

Despite the criticism, Ankalaev is open to a rematch, especially since Pereira remains a huge draw in the UFC, but the promotion might push for a quick turnaround given Pereira’s age (37).

Matty’s Golden Point

“Your next move should be preparing for your next move.”