Moana Pasifika take over sixth from Blues
- Dave Worsley
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Moana Pasifika have moved into Super Rugby Pacific's top six after beating the Highlanders for the first time, 34-29 in Dunedin.
The win moves Moana above the Blues into sixth position on 24 points, two ahead of their rival Auckland side who they face in a couple of weeks and two behind the fifth ranked Hurricanes.
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The game was a tit-for-tat encounter as home win Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens crossed in the sixth minute, before the visitors replied through Danny Toala two minutes later.
Tries were then traded throughout the match including a double for Jonah Lowe in each half while Ardie Savea proved his worth once again with an inventive try and hard work around the field.
However it was Moana reserve halfback Melani Matavao who scored the winning try from a 75th minute charge-down converted by Patrick Pelligrinni for the win.
The HIghlanders are now 10th on the points ladder and once again showed they lack the hardened international edge or even Super Rugby experinece when needed to close out games.
Moana Pasifika 34 (Danny Toala, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Ardie Savea, Miracle Fai’ilagi, Melani Matavao tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 2 con, William Havili pen, Patrick Pellegrini con) Highlanders 29 (Jonah Lowe 2 tries, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Jack Taylor tries; Cameron Millar 2 con, pen, Taine Robinson con). HT: 17-12
