Ardie Savea has kept Moana Pasifika’s hopes of a playoffs spot alive with one of the performances of the year as the Highlanders season goes from bad to worse after a 34-29 loss.
In a seesawing game in Dunedin, Highlanders replacement playmaker Taine Robinson was charged down by Melani Matavao with five minutes to go, providing a gift of a try gleefully accepted by the halfback.
It was enough to consign the Highlanders to their eighth defeat this season, and they are in now in danger of collecting the wooden spoon this year.
By contrast, Moana Pasifika are now in the top six after a stunning display by Savea.
The All Black scored a brilliant individual try in the 45th minute, nudging the ball through the defensive line and beating the chasers to regather and crash over.
It was a moment of inspiration typical of Savea’s first season with Moana Pasifika as his game goes to another level, especially on attack.
Savea was everywhere on attack and defence, frequently bringing others into the game with his range of passing.
His try gave Moana Pasifika a 22-15 lead and was all the more important as it came with William Havili in the sinbin for a high shot on Highlanders No 10 Cameron Millar.
Folau Fakatava was injected into the game with 30 minutes and immediately sparked the attack.
He made some excellent choices around the ruck and set up winger Jonah Lowe’s second try with a superb no-look pass.
The first half was an error-riddled affair from both sides in front of 10,576 fans.
Both teams brought an attacking mindset to the game, with Moana Pasifika finding plenty of space out wide just as the Crusaders had the week before.
Stationing standout No 6 Miracle Fai’ilagi on the wing, Moana Pasifika used the crossfield kick to great effect as the Highlanders looked narrow on a number of occasions.
Both teams have the bye next week, before the Highlanders travel to Wellington face the in-form Hurricanes while Moana Pasifika have a huge home game against the Blues.
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