Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Super Rugby Pacific: Wrong decisions as Moana Pasifika lose to Brumbies
Iliesa Tora, RNZ Pacific
Moana Pasifika turned down three kickable penalties that worked against them in the end against the Brumbies as they lost 24-0 at the Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe on Saturday night.
Captain Sione Havili-Talitui turned down the three kicks, which could have given them nine points and the chance to fight better against their visitors.
In the end, the Brumbies turned the heat on in the second half, to score two tries, adding to the one they had scored in the first half, which gave a slender 5-0 lead at halftime.
The Brumbies had too much power and brains in the second 40, something that was missing from the Moana Pasifika side, who tendered to rely on their physicality and power a lot more than the brains to win the match.
Moana Pasifika had dominated the contest in the first 40, and had a one-man advantage also, but could not convert that into points.
Captain Talitui said that was disappointing.
"Brumbies brought it to us, but we couldn't respond to that," he said.
"In the first half we looked really good when we were in their 22, we held on to the ball but we just didn't get anything out of it.
"That's a learning for us that everytime we get into the 22 we just have to make sure we come up with points."
It was the first game this season that Moana Pasifika were not able to come up with any points, with their usual second half resurgence also not showing.
Talitui said the Brumbies were in the game for 80 minutes.
"We had a good week at training and we had a good game plan," he said.
"Team like Brumbies they stayed in it all the way to the 80th minute. As we saw in that second half, their set piece and everytime they get into the 22 they scored."
Julian Savea had set up Fine Inise for a try that was later turned down, after it was ruled that Savea had broken the 10 metre offside mark, joining the lineout illegally.
The loss means Moana Pasifika is still on shaky grounds and could miss their target of making the top six.
Brumbies, on the other hand, continue to sit in the top three, with their place in the play-off almost guaranteed.
Winger Corey Toole and replacement hooker Billy Pollard claimed two tries each as the Brumbies sent the home team back to the dressing room, beaten and disappointed.
Moana Pasifika's forward pack did well in the first 40 to hold their own but Brumbies just had too much power in the second.
Fijian heritage player and Wallabies Rob Valetini was a stand out for the Brumbies, working well with his captain Allan Alaalatoa.
Moana number eight Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, flanker Miracle Failangi, and lock forward Tom Savage had big games but their efforts was just not enough.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Universities New Zealand - Te Pokai Tara: 2025 Critic And Conscience Of Society Award Winner Advocates For Health Policy Action
Rachelle Martin & Kaaren Mathias, The Conversation: 1 In 6 New Zealanders Is Disabled. Why Does So Much Health Research Still Exclude Them?
Athletics New Zealand: Connor Bell Breaks NZ Discus Record (Again)
Tertiary Education Union: UCOL Cuts Will Cause Lasting Damage
National Library Of New Zealand: Kate De Goldi Named Te Awhi Rito Reading Ambassador For Aotearoa
Hikoi for Health: Healthcare Crisis Drives Cross-Country Protest | Hīkoi For Health Set To Begin