Moana Pasifika

In their win over the Crusaders in Christchurch last weekend, the Chiefs showed they could hold on to possession and make it count not only on the scoreboard, ...

The Chiefs, on the other hand, have earnt the right to have a target on their back for the rest of the competition as the in-form team in New Zealand. The Chiefs were helped in staying on the ball through an extremely lopsided penalty count, with Moana Pasifika feeling the wrath of the referee's whistle, and constantly having to muscle up on the defensive end saw gaps open up late and the Chiefs turn the heat up in the second half. In their win over the Crusaders in Christchurch last weekend, the Chiefs showed they could hold on to possession and make it count not only on the scoreboard, but in terms of putting the opposition through the ringer defensively.

Moana Pasifika hosted the Chiefs at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland for their first home game for round five of Super Rugby Pacific.

Was exposed on the outside as a result of his centres bunching up in defence. Replaced by Fine Inisi in the 63rd minute. His only major involvement was delivering a nice offload to set up a Moana Pasifika attacking break. Was yellow-carded in the 57th minute. Was destructive in his carries and would have benefited from more ball in his hands. The skipper led his team valiantly and played an important part in setting up a platform for Moana Pasifika’s attack early on. However, Moana Pasifika was starved of territory and possession for most of the game, and the Chiefs ran in two more tries before halftime. Won some crucial line-outs in the second half. The Chiefs ran in nine tries to Moana Pasifika’s two, who scored a late consolation try. Went off for running repairs around the 20-minute mark following a head-clash with Leali’ifano but returned shortly after. To give him credit, he worked hard and lasted until the 68th minute. Unfortunately, he had a couple over-throws at lineout time when Moana Pasifika were in an attacking position.