Cam Millar was a stand-out as he broke through the tenacious Moana Pasifika defence to take the Highlanders close to the tryline. A fumble gave Moana Pasifika one last chance. Replacement loose forward Lucas Casey isolated a ball carrier and secured a turnover penalty, which Millar landed handy to the posts. He kicked five goals from five attempts and has been successful with 28 of 33 shots at goal this season.
The Highlanders had the best of the opening quarter, with two breaks by winger Xavier Tito-Harris and openside flanker Veveni Lasaqa going unrewarded.
The Highlanders opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a 20th Super Rugby Pacific try for winger Jonah Lowe. Three quick passes were made, the final delivery from fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Despite losing starting hooker Mills Sanerivi and first five-eighths Patrick Pellegrini, Moana responded instantly when imposing No.8 Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa made a barnstorming bust into the Highlanders 22. Fullback turned first-five William Havili had an excellent game with two try-saving tackles and a cross-kick that created a spectacular jump, catch, and touchdown for Israel Leota. Did he touch the roof with his soaring leap?
In the 33rd minute, the Highlanders lost Lowe to the sinbin for a head-high tackle. Moana capitalised when electric winger Glen Vaihu fended off Millar and dashed clear.
The Highlanders employed a more direct approach with their attack after halftime. Millar landed a 43rd-minute penalty, and in the 46th minute, prop Angus Ta'avao wriggled over in traffic.
The Highlanders stretched their lead to 24-10 on the hour mark. Casey offloaded to Millar, who in turn supplied Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens. He rolled a kick forward for halfback Adam Lennox to pursue and score. When former All Blacks halfback Augustine Pulu hurdled over a pile of bodies to score his first Super Rugby try since 2019, a tense finish loomed.
Ultimately, the Highlanders did enough, with an inspirational turnover and break by captain Timoci Tavatavanawai noteworthy. The All Blacks' second five-eighths made 11 tackles, three line-breaks, and won two turnovers. No.8 Nikora Broughton carried further than any Highlanders. Tupou Ta'eiloa was colossal again for Moana, as were Vaihu and Havili.
With their fourth win of the season, the Highlanders have passed their 2025 win tally.
Moana captain Miracle Faiilagi. “It was another tough one. We came down here with a pack mentality to win. I, as the captain, do my role, keep the boys tight. We’re focusing on the games ahead.
The referee was Todd Petrie from New Zealand.
Highlanders: 27 (Jonah Lowe, Angus Ta'avao, Adam Lennox tries; Cam Millar 3 cons, 2 pens) Moana Pasifika: 17 (Israel Leota, Glen Vaihu, Augustine Pulu tries; William Havili con).
