Moana Pasifika have produced an unbelievable 40-31 win over the Hurricanes to get their maiden win of 2025.
It ensures Ardie Savea bragging rights over his old team in their first meeting since he joined the expansion side.
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However, it was fellow back-rower Miracle Faiʻilagi who stole the show with a hat-trick.
The Samoan international answered Brayden Iose’s opener with their first points of the game as they came out firing.
Returning star Ruben Love capitalised on some in-decision from a loose ball to hit straight back in the corner.
This inspired Moana Pasifika, who proceeded to score 28 unanswered points.
Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa barged over to give them the lead before it unravelled for the visitors, losing Iose for ten.
This is where Moana Pasifika punished the Hurricanes, with breakout star Kyren Taumoefolau winning the race to the ball to give them a 21-12 lead at the break.
Faiʻilagi’s second to start the second half gave them a 16 point lead as the Hurricanes had little answer.
Not even Tom Savage’s yellow card could slow them down, with Mills Sanerivi extending the lead in the 58th minute.
Peter Lakai got the Hurricanes firing for a brief moment with a close range try, only for Faiʻilagi to complete the hat-trick minutes later.
The game was well out of reach when the Hurricanes mounted a late change.
Tries to Ngatungane Punivai and Jone Rova made the game closer than it was as the hosts celebrated their first win of the year in style.
Savea's win was marred after the All Black went off right before the break with an apparent injury.
