Moana Pasifika coach Aaron Mauger said he was happy with the way the side played despite the loss. Photo: photosport
In an historic Super Rugby Pacific game in Samoa, Moana Pasifika lost to the Queensland Reds 40-28 in their first ever home game at Apia Park on Friday.
In a ten-try thriller, the visitors came out on top after 80 minutes of high-intensity rugby in front of more than 15,000 home supporters in the much-anticipated Super Rugby clash, as the hosts turned the heat on until the final whistle.
The result means the Reds ended their three-game losing streak, while Moana Pasifika will have to continue to seek their inaugural win in the 2023 season.
Moana coach Aaron Mauger said he was happy with the way the side played despite the loss.
"They showed the fans that they can be among the big boys," Mauger said.
He said the loss aside, the experience of being on Samoa was overwhelming.
"We have enjoyed the experience, being with our families and our fans," he said.
Mauger was happy the team lasted the 80 minutes, although they lost track for a while in the game.
"They stuck in there and were still fighting. We have a bye this week and then prepare for the Rebels in two weeks," he added.
Local star Miracle Faiilagi said it was an awesome experience, despite the loss.
"I had my entire village here and my family members. It was awesome to play in front of our people," he said.
His captain Solomone Funaki said Moana were unlucky and made mistakes they should have not committed.
Solomone Funaki Photo: RNZ Pacific / Iliesa Tora
Funaki said the team created a lot of opportunity but basic errors let them down.
"Another big learning for us. Thanks to the boys for putting their hands up and getting on with the work. Congratulations to the Reds," he said.
It was do or die for the Queensland outfit, especially with coach Brad Thorne's job on the line.
Reds skipper Tate McDermott said the win was hard fought and they were glad they had gotten the result in the end.
"It was tough and I give it to Moana because they kept coming back," Tate said in the post-match interview.
"They have a lot of talents across the field," the nippy halfback said.
"We needed this win badly to boost morale and thankful that the boys hung on in the end."
Game flow
Fraser McRight got the Reds on the scoreboard early after winger Suliasi Vunivalu had broken through the Moana defense after receiving a pass from McDermott.
Lawson Creighton's conversion gave them a 7-0 lead.
Tate McDermott Photo: RNZ Pacific / Iliesa Tora
But Faiilagi finished off a Moana counter attack a few minute later with a try - scoring the hosts first ever try in Samoa.
It was converted by Lincoln McClutchie and levelling terms at 7-all.
Reds hooker Matt Faessler crashed over near the uprights in the 25th minute and then Danny Toala got his name on the scoresheet as the teams traded tries.
Both tries were converted and close to the 30 minute mark both teams were tied again at 14-all.
Reds number eight Harry Wilson crashed over before Vunivalu intercepted a promising Moana Pasifika move down the flanks and ran in to score and the Queensland side led 28-14 at the breather.
Faessler claimed his second try as the game resumed for the second half and then flyhalf Creighton claimed one, converting both tries to give the Reds a handy 40-14 lead.
Faiilagi then finished off another Moana attack, with replacement D'Angelo Leuila adding two pints through his boots with the conversion as the Reds led 40-21.
Luteru Tolai had a clear run for the tryline in the 79th minute as Moana Pasifika's forward pack drove hard towards the line.
The conversion edged Moana closer 29-40 as the clock ticked away.
The Reds hung on at the final whistle as Moana drove for the line and were held up.
While the sun stayed on for the match, it was the humidity which was a greater concern for the players.
In the end the Reds proved that they had found the winning mana to come out as victors.
Moana Pasifika fans at Apia Park in Samoa for the match against the Reds on 14 April 2023. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Iliesa Tora
