Sun 9 March 2025 Auckland NZ. Miracle Faiilagi scored a hat-trick as the Moana Pasifika claimed a hard-fought 40-31 win over the Hurricanes at Auckland’s North Harbour stadium on Saturday night.
Andrew Cornaga / Photosport
The Samoan local product from the Vailele Rugby Club wrote himself into the history books – as the first ever Moana Pasifika player to have scored three tries in a Super Rugby Pacific match.
Last weekend Ardie Savea said the team needs to start winning and the Moana Pasifika boys responded to their Captain’s call.
Tight hamstrings saw Savea come off at halftime and had to cheer from the sidelines as his team mates put away the team he had once captained and played 131 games for.
Moana’s first win comes after three defeats including close losses to the Western Force and the Highlanders.
The crowd in the stands were entertained to 81 minutes of Pacific Rugby flair as Miracle Fai’ilagi and first five Patrick Pellegrini led the way for an impressive performance.
The former Leififi College and Taula Eels Under 20s star, Miracle Faiilagi, said the win over the Hurricanes was a team effort.
“I feel so grateful – it was an unreal performance from the boys,” Faiilagi told Sky Sport after the match.
“Those three tries, that was a team effort.”
The 25 year old flanker said they followed the plan to retain possession and hold on to the ball.
“The message was clear at halftime, just put pressure on them and hold on to the ball.”
Affectionately known as “Mira” to the Samoa local fan base, Miracle Faiilagi scored one try in the first half and two in the second to put his side in the lead and keep ahead of the Canes who tried to launch a comeback in the last 20 minutes.
“I’m proud of the boys for getting across the line,” Captain Ardie Savea told Sky Sports after the win..
“They showed too hearts and effort. It just means when you get it right you get it right..
“The backs controlled the game and put us in the right side of the field and when we got to those positions our forwards got us over the line.”
Savea thanked the crowd who turned up to back them for their second home game at Albany’s North Harbour stadium.
“Man, shout out to the fans out there. I’m home.”
It was the first time the All Black strongman had played against the Hurricanes in the Super Rugby Pacific competition, since moving North.
First five Patrick Pellegrini, in his first Super Rugby Pacific start, repaid his coaches’ faith in him with an inspired display.
The Australian born Tongan nailed five out of six conversions, and his kicking in general play was on point – especially in the lead up to Kyren Tamoufolau’s spectacular try after halftime.
Moana Pasifika scored six tries. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Kyren Taumoefolau and Millenium Sanerivi adding to Mira’s hat trick.
The Hurricanes managed to get five on their record, shared between Brayden Iose, Ruben Love, Peter Lakai, Ngani Punivai and debutant Jone Rova.
Moana Pasifika led 14-12 at halftime and came back into the second spell with a lot more determination and focus.
They scored four consecutive tries in the second spell, as they shocked the Hurricanes with their intensity.
However, like last weekend Moana hit straight back, Faiilagi scoring the first of two well-executed lineout tries for Moana, then Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa gave them the lead after half an hour with a bulldozing effort.
But it was the double effort of Tamoufolau and Faiilagi after the break that did the damage for Moana, opening up a gap that was ultimately too much for the Hurricanes to overcome in the end.
Moana Pasifika has a bye this coming weekend, while the Hurricanes head south to Dunedin to take on the Highlanders next Friday night.
Moana Pasifika 40 (Miracle Fai’ilagi 19’, 44’, 65’, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa 28’, Kyren Taumoefolau 41’, Millennium Sanerivi’ 58 tries; Patrick Pellegrini 5 con)
Hurricanes 31 (Brayden Iose 15’, Ruben Love 22’, Peter Lakai 61’, Ngatungane Punivai 71’, Jone Rova 74’ tries; Harry Godfrey 3 con). HT: 14-12. Yellow cards: Iose, Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hurricanes), Tom Savage (Moana).
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