Moana Pasifika sign off from Super Rugby with a win and emotionally charged hymn | Super Rugby Pacific
Moana Pacifica, who had an under-recruited squad, ended their potential final match with a thrilling win, defeating the ACT Brumbies, who advanced to the final, 21-19.
But there were mixed emotions as the players celebrated a rare win and awaited death with an emotional hymn before joining the staff to mark their farewell match for the club.
The Super Rugby Pacific club went into liquidation on Monday after its current owners announced on April 15 that they would not continue to fund the franchise beyond 2026.
If a last-minute savior does not come to save the club, which has only been introduced in 2022, the teams will withdraw and the competition will be reduced to 10 teams in 2027.
However, Pacifica (2-12) enjoyed the opportunity on Saturday at GIO Stadium and managed to end their 12-game losing streak and reach a record 13th.
But the cellar dwellers’ victory did not go so smoothly, as the Brumbies were ahead numerically both on the scoreboard and as they barnstormed inside the centre. Faletoi Peni received a second yellow card and was sent off in the second half.
However, the home team could not take advantage of this opportunity and substitute player Melani Matavao attacked and declared the victory in the 73rd minute.
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“With everything that’s happened throughout the week, with Moana going into liquidation, we [knew we wouldn’t] “We see a lot of parts of our group that we left behind,” Umaga said.
“We’ve talked a lot about our strong purpose of who we represent. We represent our culture, our people, and we’ve finally seen that come true.
“[In all] The feeling of the last few months, I can’t tell you today what happened in other matches… I can tell you what happened today and I’m very proud of it. This one stands out.
The Brumbies (7-7) needed a big bonus point win to help them move up to fourth in the standings, but will have to settle for sixth instead.
Their faltering lineup and a string of errors will be cause for concern for manager Stephen Larkham as the Brumbies now face the table-topping Hurricanes in the Tasman, needing to win to secure a place in the knockout final.
After watching the visitors perform a traditional war dance, the Brumbies opened fire and Rory Scott slotted the ball over the line.
Pacifica looked to respond when Solomon Alaimalo crossed, but his try was canceled out by a forward pass and the home side punished them with Tom Wright tripping.
Senior James Slipper was given a yellow card and the visitors battled back in the second half with help from Patrick Pellegrini to tie the halftime score at 14 all.
The Brumbies regained the lead when they shifted left and found Luke Reimer in the corner before Peni walked after a fierce tackle on Andy Muirhead.
New signing Klayton Thorn from ACT thought he had passed but a forward pass in front prevented Matavao from scoring a try before getting on the opposite side of a deft pass to steal the victory.
