Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was outstanding for the Waratahs but it was an afternoon to forget for NSW after Taniela Tupou was accused of swearing at the referee in a 45-28 defeat to Moana Pasifika.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii was outstanding for the Waratahs but it was an afternoon to forget for NSW after Taniela Tupou was accused of swearing at the referee in a 45-28 defeat to Moana Pasifika.
Moana Pasifika have back-to-back victories for the first time in Super Rugby.
The Waratahs have been outclassed in the second half, slumping to a 45-28 defeat after leading by 14 points at the break.
Triston Reilly bagged two tries and Joseph Suaalii was terrific but it was all one-way traffic in the dying stages as Moana built momentum and didn’t take their foot off.
The Waratahs have completely bottled this game but Moana have been magnificent.
Firstly, referee James Doleman has made a real stance here. He penalises Taniela Tupou for swearing at him. You don’t see that every day. The NSW prop unhappy with Ardie Savea getting a turnover.
Moments later, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa crashes over. Moana are on fire.
This is getting ugly.
Moana lead 45-28 with two minutes remaining
Wow. It’s all happening in Auckland.
Ardie Savea has turned into a wrecking ball. The Tahs cannot bring him down. Some seriously impressive front-foot ball being generated by the Moana skipper.
Now Moana kick to the left as Fine Inisi scores an acrobatic try in the corner. Sensational finish.
The Waratahs led by 14 points at the break and are now down by eight points. It’d be more if Moana were more accurate with their kicking game off the tee.
Moana lead 38-28 with 11 minutes remaining
With 16 minutes remaining on the clock, Moana have the lead.
William Havili gets a try of his own this time. Woeful Waratahs defence, with Lawson Creighton shooting off his line and misreading the play. Andrew Kellaway slips over as he slides across to try and cover in defence. He’s had a stinker of a game today.
Moana, for the first time in the match, lead 33-28
Patrick Pellegrini scores for Moana. Wonderful try. That’ll do wonders for their confidence.
Fullback William Havili slices through the Tahs’ line and puts a grubber in for Pellegrini. It’s a foot race between the No.10s, with Pellegrini getting there before Lawson Creighton.
Moana are refusing to go away as their home fans get into the game.
Also, Taniela Tupou is on the field. Big period for him.
Waratahs lead 28-26 after 61 minutes
Boom.
Joseph Suaalii has been everywhere today. He tries to squeeze through a gap but gets pulled down. However, he gets his arm free and manages a little offload – but very important – that dribbles into the arms of Teddy Wilson who skips away for the five-pointer.
Just what the Tahs needed as they head into the final 20 minutes of this high-scoring encounter.
Waratahs lead 28-19 after 59 minutes
You don’t see that every day!
Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou is in the right place at the right time but produces another quality carry close to the line. He runs through Langi Gleeson who tries to stop the big man but can’t. That’s three tries in just over 50 minutes of rugby for one of the largest bodies on the park.
The Waratahs’ lead is evaporating but they have a two-point buffer after that conversion was missed. Would love to know what Dan McKellar is shouting into his walkie-talkie.
Waratahs lead 21-19 after 53 minutes
That was quick.
Moana have produced a perfect start to the second half as Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou gets his second five-pointer with a successful conversion.
The Tahs need to be on their game. Moana won’t die wondering. When will Taniela Tupou come on?
Waratahs lead 21-14 after 44 minutes
Discover more from World Byte News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
