Everything you need to know about Moana Pasifika

The more fancied opponents were outscored by four tries to three as Moana Pasifika secured only their second victory of the year despite having their skipper Sekope Kepu sent off in the first half.

With the exception of a penalty try, Moana's other points came from the boot of Christian Lealiifano, who was successful with two conversions and as many penalties. William Havili, Joe Apikotoa, and Lotu Inisi all crossed the goal line.

Connal McInerney, Lachlan Lonergan, and Pete Samu scored tries for the Brumbies, and Noah Lolesio contributed two conversions and a drop-goal.

The first try was scored by McInerney shortly after Kepu was dismissed in the 10th minute for a perilous tackle on Andy Muirhead. For the following 20 minutes, Moana played with just 14 players, but they maintained control and were rewarded with tries from Havilii, Apikotoa, and the penalty try, giving them a 19-7 lead at the break.

With Lealiifano's penalty and Lonergan's try, the Brumbies responded, keeping the game close at the hour mark with a score of 22-17 in Moana Pasifika's Rugby favour.

Samu scored a consolation try for the Brumbies in the last seconds of the game, but Inisi's five-pointer in the 76th minute gave the hosts the victory.

The first Super Rugby victory for Moana Pasifika Rugby was dedicated to "the giants who went before us," an homage to Pacific Islander-born athletes who have filled the rosters of teams all over the world but have never had their own squad.

In only its third game of the season, Danny Toala scored a try to give Moana Pasifika a 24-19 victory over the Wellington-based Hurricanes in the fourth minute of golden point extra time on Friday.

Last week's humiliating 59-12 loss to the Hamilton Chiefs offered little indication that Moana Pasifika was about to achieve history. Three games were postponed during the team's inaugural season because to COVID-19 breakouts, which gave Moana Pasifika little chance.

The Pacific Islands squad was established in 2020, and on Friday, after several matches were postponed by COVID, they finally had the opportunity to compete in the biggest competition in the Southern Hemisphere. They challenged their well-known rivals and gained a lot of new supporters by playing with heart on Friday.

Moana Pasifika had to wait an additional two years after earning their spot in Super Rugby before making their debut. Due to a COVID epidemic, they were forced to postpone their first two games, leaving them with a difficult opening match on Friday against the Crusaders.

The immigrants deserve praise because they didn't linger after arriving. Amazingly, Solomone Funaki scored the squad's first try, with the back row crossing over in the corner thanks to an excellent team effort.

After that, Moana Pasifika Rugby was behind 19-12 with three minutes left in the game's regular time. The game was tied after a try by Solomone Funaki from an attacking scrum and a conversion by Christian Leali'ifano, which necessitated extra time.

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Created on Sep 22nd 2022 08:45. Viewed 133 times.

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