Moana Pasifika couldn’t rise to the occasion in the first-ever Super Rugby game played in Tonga, losing 28-17 to the Highlanders in atrocious weather on Saturday.
Heavy rain and sodden ground conditions dampened the historic match in Nuku’alofa, along with the hard-working visiting side, who scored three tries to two.
All the tries came in the first half as the Highlanders built a 19-17 lead, and the New Zealand side pulled clear after the interval through three penalty goals to fly-half Cameron Millar.
Conditions at Teufaiva Sport Stadium became increasingly worse, reducing the prospects of a late fightback from Moana, who are based in Auckland and have played most of their home games there for financial reasons since their introduction to Super Rugby in 2022.
Moana’s squad comprises players of Pasifika heritage and coach Tana Umaga chose to name 12 Tongan players in his team.
STRONG START
They began strongly, scoring tries through prop Abraham Pole and fullback William Havili, but the Highlanders responded each time, through fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, who crossed twice, and winger Connor Garden-Bachop.
Highlanders captain Billy Harmon said his players were proud to be part of an “awesome” occasion.
“Tongan rugby has given so much to the world. Awesome atmosphere, awesome country, the boys have loved it,” Harmon said.
“To be able to grind out a win in these conditions was great. We’ve got some Tongan boys in our team too so it meant a lot to them.”
Both teams are fighting to reach the quarterfinals with four rounds remaining in the regular season, having entered the game with identical 3-6 win-loss records.
A second straight victory for the Highlanders means they’ll stay just inside the top eight, while Moana will be ninth or worse by the end of the round, depending on other results.
