An inspired Moana Pasifika stunned the Brumbies 32-22 on Saturday night to shake up the Super Rugby Pacific finals equation.
The Brumbies, Australia’s leading team, had already booked a home quarter final next weekend but will now finish fourth on the ladder after entering the round in third.
They will host either the Hurricanes or Waratahs with both of those sides in action later on Saturday night.
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Moana Pasifika will finish their debut season with the wooden spoon despite the shock win.
It was just their second victory of the year and was all the more remarkable given talismanic captain Sekope Kepu was sent off for a high tackle in the 11th minute.
Wallabies great Kepu was playing in his 150th Super Rugby game and looked distraught after being shown a red card.
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But instead of wilting Kepu’s teammates lifted, playing bruising and clever rugby against the shell-shocked visitors at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium.
“I’m very happy for our Pasifika people,” an emotional Kepu said post-game.
“Just grateful to be a part of it and still playing rugby.”
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It was particularly special for Moana Pasifika pivot Christian Leali’ifano, playing against his former team and kicking a clutch 50-22 after passing a HIA earlier in the night.
“A magical night and an outstanding performance,” All Blacks great Mils Muliaina said in commentary.
“They’ve inspired their people and thoroughly deserve this victory.”
William Havili, Joe Apikotoa and Lotu Inisi scored five-pointers for Moana Pasifika, who were also awarded a penalty try.
The Brumbies tries were scored by Connal McInerney, Lachlan Lonergan and Pete Samu.
The visitors were reduced to 13 men early in the second half when McInerney and Jahrome Brown were yellow carded.
https://twitter.com/BrumbiesRugby/status/1530478921309126662?s=20&t=USB_AYalE5LSIeS16hJTyA
“Very disappointing from our end – outplayed and out-enthused,” Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa said.
“The bright side is we get another opportunity next week in finals. They dominated the collision tonight. The disappointing thing is they took us on at our own game – a couple of maul tries there.
“We’ve got a home quarter next week and I know the boys will be up for it.”
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