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Home > Highlanders win first Super Rugby match in Tonga

Highlanders win first Super Rugby match in Tonga [1]

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Saturday, May 4, 2024 - 22:04.  Updated on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 - 21:34.

Highlanders run away from Moana Pasifika at Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 4 May 2024. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

Photos by Tupou Vaipulu Jr / Matangi Tonga

The Otago Highlanders scored a 28 - 17 win against Moana Pasifika, in the first-ever Super Rugby game played at Teufaiva Stadium, in Nuku'alofa, where the constant rain failed to dampen the spirits of an enthusiastic crowd and full grand strand.

Early morning thunderstorms and a heavy tropical downpour saturated the field; and this afternoon the rain continued to fall throughout the match.

Three tries for the Highlanders and two for Moana Pasifika made an entertaining match.

Abraham Pole scored a first try for the Moana Pasifika, and a additional two points conversion kick by the star of the day, William Havili, 7 - 0.

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens scored a try for the Highlanders, 5 - 7.

William Havili scored a penalty goal for Moana Pasifika, 10 - 5.

Highlanders Connor Garden-Bachop scored a try, and a conversion kick by Cameron Miller, 12 - 10.

William Havili scored a try, and a conversion kick, 17 - 12.

Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens scored another try, and a conversion kick by Cameron Miller, a 19 - 17 lead by the Highlanders at half-time.

In the second half, Highlanders Cameron Miller scored three penalty goals, 28 - 17, securing their victory, with the Moana Pasifika held scoreless in the second half.

First Super Rugby match in Tonga, Moana Pasifika v Highlanders, clash in the rain at Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 4 May 2024. Photo: Matangi Tonga.

Teams

Moana Pasifika (1-15): Abraham Pole, Samiuela Moli, Sione Mafileo, Tom Savage, Allan Craig, Jacob Norris, Sione Havili Talitui (c), Lotu Inisi, Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Lealiifano, Fine Inisi, Julian Savea, Henry Taefu. Viliami Fine, William Havili.

Reserves: Sama Malolo, Sateki Latu, Sekope Kepu, Ola Tauelangi, Solomone Funaki, Ereatara Enari, Danny Toala, Neria Fomai.

Highlanders (1-15): Daniel Lienert-Brown, Henry Bell, Saula Ma’u, Mitch Dunshea, Fabian Holland, Oliver Haig, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon (c), Folau Fakatava, Cameron Millar, Connor Garden-Bachop, Jake Te Hiwi, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.

Reserves: Jack Taylor, Ayden Johnstone, Jermaine Ainsley, Will Tucker, Nikora Broughton, James Arscott, Sam Gilbert, Martin Bogodo.

Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw

Moana Pasifika push for a try in the first half of their match against the Highlanders. Teufaiva Stadium, Nuku'alofa, Tonga. 4 May 2024. Photo: Matangi Tonga.
Pacific Islands [2]
Tonga [3]
Rugby Union [4]
Moana Pasifika [5]
Highlanders [6]
Super Rugby [7]
Teufaiva stadium [8]
Tonga rugby [9]
Rugby [10]

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Source URL:https://matangitonga.to/2024/05/04/highlanders-win-super-rugby-match-tonga

Links
[1] https://matangitonga.to/2024/05/04/highlanders-win-super-rugby-match-tonga [2] https://matangitonga.to/tag/pacific-islands?page=1 [3] https://matangitonga.to/tag/tonga?page=1 [4] https://matangitonga.to/tag/rugby-union?page=1 [5] https://matangitonga.to/tag/moana-pasifika?page=1 [6] https://matangitonga.to/tag/highlanders?page=1 [7] https://matangitonga.to/tag/super-rugby?page=1 [8] https://matangitonga.to/tag/teufaiva-stadium?page=1 [9] https://matangitonga.to/tag/tonga-rugby?page=1 [10] https://matangitonga.to/topic/rugby?page=1