Moana Pasifika has secured its first win in Super Rugby history with a 24-19 golden point win against Hurricanes, courtesy of a stunning try to Danny Toala at the death.
Despite trailing for much of the game and having to overcome two yellow cards, two late tries to Levi Aumua (66th minute) and Solomone Funaki (78) for Moana Pasifika sent the match into golden point at 19-all.
But in the first few minutes of the extra period, the Hurricanes dominated possession and found themselves in a golden position to get points.
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After 13 consecutive phases with the Hurricanes in attacking position inside the 22-metre line, Tau Koloamatangi came up big for Moana Pasifika with the crucial turnover at the breakdown.
And right as the ball popped out following turnover, Solomone Funaki made the quick-thinking decision to boot the ball down the field with Toala in the perfect position to chase.
Toala didn’t let his teammates down, getting to the ball first and soccering it 20 metres before beating out Ruben Love for the ball and grabbing possession cleanly to ground the ball for the match-winning try.
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“I was just relieved,” Toala said after scoring the match-winner.
“Playing for our people and culture, it’s what I really love about this team.
“The first thing that came to mind [after scoring the try] was just my parents, that’s who I play for.
“Our review wasn’t that good, but we tried to stay positive [after last week’s defeat]. We said we would scratch everything that happened and take on the positives.
“We were lucky to get away with the win tonight.”
It’s the first win for Moana Pasifika in their inaugural season through three games.
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