Round four of Super Rugby Pacific has seen upsets and surprises galore, and this has continued at North Harbour Stadium in Albany as Moana Pasifika survived a late fightback from the Hurricanes to win their first match of the season, winning 40-31.
After several weeks of close matches and plenty of promise, the hosts fought back after the Canes took the lead early in the first half, courtesy of a try to Brayden Iose.
Miracle Failagi got the hosts first try of the year, but the Canes struck back quickly through their returning star Ruben Love.
However, from that point on, Moana took control – thanks to a dominant display in the scrum.
A try to Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa saw the hosts enter the sheds ahead – and two tries to kick off the second half followed by two more later in the match saw Tana Umaga’s ahead 41-17.
However, the Canes produced a strong fightback with tries to Jone Rova and Ngatungane Punivai, with their bench wrestling back momentum in the closing stages of the match.
However, the gap proved too far for the men from Wellington, who have now slumped to their third loss of the season.
It was a result that might have coach Clark Laidlaw tearing his hair out, with his side outmuscled in general play, then copping another yellow card to Isaia Walker-Leawere.
However, it was an emotional evening for the hosts, with captain Ardie Savea choking back tears in the post match interview – particularly when discussing how the side performed with him off the field in the closing stages.
AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – MARCH 08: Ardie Savea, captain of Moana Pasifika celebrates the win during the round four Super Rugby Pacific match between Moana Pasifika and Hurricanes at North Harbour Stadium, on March 08, 2025, in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images)
“I’m proud of the boys,” Savea said. “Proud of the boys. To get across the line, get the dub, they showed true heart and effort.
“It just shows, when we go alright we can get up – so very proud.
“Our backs controlled the game, put us in the right areas of the field. When we got to those positions, our forwards rolled their sleeves up. They got us over the line.
“It’s something we’ve worked really hard for, and I’m just so happy they get the reward tonight.”