Match Centre: Super Rugby Pacific: Moana Pasifika 17-14 Reds

Moana Pasifika 17-14 Queensland Reds, Semenoff Stadium

Moana Pasifika defeated Queensland Reds with a slender 17-14 margin in the latest round of the Super Rugby Pacific at Semenoff Stadium on Friday.

This is the third win for Pasifika in the eight matches as they move to the eighth place in the table while Reds are at sixth position.

William Havili with a 15th minute penalty goal started the proceedings for the hosts before Julian Savea went over the line with a powerful close range dive in the 32nd minute.

Havili kicked the conversion as Pasifika had a 10-0 lead in the opening half despite a stern defence from Reds.

The visitors struck back immediately in the second half as Suliasi Vunivalu and Fraser McReight combined to send Peni Ravai over the line and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips landed the conversion to bring the gap down to three points.

Nevertheless, shortly they were down to 14 players as Tate McDermott was initially sin-binned for swinging arm on Irie Papuni which upon review was upgraded to a red card.

An impressive defence from Reds meant Moana Pasifika continued to remain scoreless in the second half and the visitors looked impressive as Jordan Petaia dived in the right corner for the second try to take them to a 10-14 lead.

However, ill-discipline proved costly for Reds this time with McReight also red carded in the 73rd minute for a high tackle and this time Havili collected an offload from Toala to score the decisive try leading Pasifika to a thrilling win.

Team line up:

Moana Pasifika XV: Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sione Mafileo, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Irie Papuni, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Ereatara Enari, William Havili, Fine Inisi, Julian Savea, Henry Taefu. Viliami Fine, Danny Toala

Reserves: Sama Malolo, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Miracle Faiilagi, Melani Matavao, Christina Lealiifano, Nigel Ah Wong

Queensland Reds: Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Seru Uru, Ryan Smith, Liam Wright (co-c), Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott (co-c), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Jordan Petaia, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Suli Vunivalu, Jock Campbell

Reserves: Josh Nasser, Alex Hodgman, Zane Nonggorr, Angus Blyth, John Bryant, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Mac Grealy