Waratahs beat Moana Pasifika 29-14 in storm-delayed clash
Folau Fainga'a was one of the try scorer for Waratahs
©Steve Haag
Waratahs 29-14 Moana Pasifika, Allianz Stadium
The NSW Waratahs secured a crucial 29-14 victory over Moana Pasifika in a storm-disrupted Super Rugby Pacific clash in Sydney, overcoming a halftime deficit and a lengthy lightning delay to claim a valuable bonus-point win.
The visitors played with real intensity in the opening half and looked capable of causing another upset, but repeated errors near the line and growing pressure at set piece proved costly as the match wore on.
Moana Pasifika Make The Better Start
Moana Pasifika struck early through scrum-half Melani Matavao, who caused the Waratahs problems around the fringes all evening. His first try came from a quick tap close to the ruck, catching the defence offside and giving the visitors an ideal start. Patrick Pellegrini added the conversion.
The Waratahs responded through Triston Reilly, who finished well after a sharp attacking move brought the hosts back into the match. Sid Harvey then added another, diving over in the corner to keep the home side close.
But Matavao was again the key figure for Moana Pasifika before halftime. He grabbed his second try, once more punishing the Waratahs close to the breakdown, and Pellegrini’s conversion helped send the visitors into the break with a deserved 14-12 lead.
Waratahs Turn The Match After The Break
The second half began with Moana Pasifika still carrying threat, but they missed key chances to extend their lead. Twice they lost control of the ball close to the Waratahs line, and those errors allowed the hosts to stay alive and build pressure of their own.
The turning point came as the Waratahs began to dominate field position. Isaac Kailea crashed over after repeated close-range efforts to put the home side in front, before Harvey grabbed his second try of the night to extend the lead to 22-14.
Just after that score, lightning in the area forced the players from the field for a lengthy delay. The interruption broke the flow of the match and added another layer of tension to the finish.
Harvey And Fainga’a Help Seal It
When play resumed, Moana Pasifika tried to fight their way back, but the Waratahs handled the closing stages better. Harvey made a key defensive play by knocking the ball loose just as Solomon Alaimalo threatened to break clear.
The Waratahs then controlled possession smartly in the final minutes and sealed the win when Folau Fainga’a scored from a rolling maul on the buzzer, confirming the bonus point and a 29-14 final score.
