Moana Pasifika come from behind to rout NSW Waratahs in Super Rugby showdown
The team, comprising of players of Pasifika heritage, have been dominant in the second half of their matches this season, scoring nearly 63% of their total points. The victory over Waratahs is Moana Pasifika’s first back-to-back wins since joining Super Rugby Pacific in 2022. The Waratahs remain winless away from home this season.
Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea, an All Black player, expressed his pride in his team's resilience and highlighted the impact of their bench players. The team's focus on fundamental skills like set pieces, carrying, and cleaning contributed to their second-half dominance, he pointed out.
The two halves of the match had dramatically different outcomes. The Waratahs capitalized on early Moana Pasifika errors, scoring tries through winger Triston Reilly (twice) and Andrew Kellaway. Teddy Wilson also contributed to the Waratahs' first-half lead.
A wayward Moana Pasifika lineout throw provided the opportunity for Wilson's initial contribution, leading to Reilly's first try. A missed quick tap penalty inside the Waratahs' 10m further hampered Moana Pasifika. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii's strong run set up Reilly’s second try. Feleti Sae Ta’ufo’ou scored Moana Pasifika’s first try.
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Despite trailing 7-21 at halftime, Moana Pasifika came back strongly to dominate the second half. Sae Ta’ufo’ou completed his hat-trick with two more tries, assisted by Semisi Paea's offload for the second. While Wilson scored for the Waratahs, Moana Pasifika responded with tries from Patrick Pellegrini, William Havili, Fine Inisi, and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa. Pellegrini also added five conversions.
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar acknowledged the challenge posed by Moana Pasifika's powerful forward pack. He
