Miracle Faiilagi Nets Hat-Trick in Moana Pasifika’s Stunning Victory Over Hurricanes

This article originally appeared on Stuff and is reproduced with permission

In a sensational display, Moana Pasifika achieved their finest victory yet, overcoming the Hurricanes 40-31 during an extraordinary match at North Harbour Stadium.

Tonga five-eighth Patrick Pellegrini delivered a standout performance in his debut start, while the dynamic loose forward Miracle Faiilagi achieved a remarkable hat-trick of tries in an electrifying encounter on Saturday night.

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Under the leadership of Tana Umaga, Moana Pasifika not only celebrated their first victory of the Super Rugby Pacific season but also left the Hurricanes, coached by Clark Laidlaw, reeling, despite their attempt to stage a comeback in the final minutes.

Moana managed to thrive even in the absence of their prominent loose forward Ardie Savea, who played only the first half against the team he represented for nearly ten years.

Concerns arose as Savea did not return for the second half, with the reasons for his absence remaining unclear.

Nonetheless, Pellegrini was pivotal, initiating two outstanding tries that put the Hurricanes on the back foot after the break. He first launched a long kick that set up Kyren Taumoefolau for a try, followed by a brilliant run that assisted Faiilagi with his second try during an exceptional team move.

Pellegrini’s tactical kicking caused significant troubles for the Hurricanes and allowed Moana to seize control.

Taumoefolau proved to be a constant threat throughout the match on the right wing, with a remarkable leap over a Hurricanes defender that wowed the crowd during the build-up to Faiilagi’s second try.

North Harbour Stadium, often considered a less-desirable venue, surprisingly created a lively atmosphere with a few thousand fans, offering more buzz than an empty Mount Smart Stadium.

The second half was filled with chaos, highlighted by yellow cards for Tom Savage and Isaia Walker-Leawere. Nevertheless, the home side held firm, as hooker Millennium Sanerivi powered over for their fifth try before Faiilagi completed his hat-trick.

Umaga’s side played with aggression, dominating tackles, but they had to endure some nervous moments in the final minutes as the Hurricanes attempted to mount a comeback with tries from Peter Lakai, Ngatungane Punivai, and Jona Rova.

All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard made a significant impact after coming off the bench, helping the Hurricanes create opportunities, yet their late resurgence ultimately wasn’t enough.

The crowd erupted in cheers for Savea when his name was announced, as he is undoubtedly the star player for Moana, but his teammates rose to the occasion brilliantly.

Tevita Mafileo also received loud applause for his huge early tackle that sent the Hurricanes backwards.

The Hurricanes actually applied the initial pressure, with Godfrey and Love collaborating effectively to create space out wide, leading to Love finishing in the corner after a loose pass ricocheted off his knee, following Brayden Iose’s earlier try facilitated through a lapse in Moana’s defence.

However, the hosts showcased a new toughness in 2025, with emerging loose forwards Miracle Faiilagi and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa both crashing over the line, effectively battering down the Hurricanes’ weary defence.

Moana’s confidence surged as Pellegrini executed a brilliant 50/22 kick. An offload from centre Lalomilo Lalomilo nearly led to an extraordinary try had Taumoefolau chosen to pass.

With Iose serving a yellow card and the Hurricanes reduced to 14 players, they benefited from a temporary reprieve, as the hosts failed to capitalise before halftime.

This brief break for the Hurricanes did not last, however.

The big picture

Moana Pasifika’s standout moment previously came in 2022 when they celebrated a 24-19 victory over the Hurricanes across the city. However, this recent match was even more remarkable, showcasing their ability to overpower a side that topped last season’s standings. This victory also marked Moana’s eighth win in their fourth season, signifying only their second triumph against New Zealand teams.

With the win, Moana improved their record to 1-3 following three high-scoring defeats. In contrast, the Hurricanes faced their third loss after another narrow defeat.

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What’s next

Moana Pasifika will have a bye next week before welcoming the Chiefs to Pukekohe on March 21, a matchup originally slated for Tonga.

The Hurricanes are set to travel south to face the Highlanders in Dunedin next Friday night.

Match Summary at North Harbour Stadium, Albany: Moana Pasifika 40 (Miracle Faiilagi 19′, 44′, 65′, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa 28′, Kyren Taumoefolau 41′, Millennium Sanerivi 58 tries; Patrick Pellegrini 5 conversions) Hurricanes 31 (Brayden Iose 15′, Ruben Love 22′, Peter Lakai 61′, Ngatungane Punivai 71′, Jone Rova 74′ tries; Harry Godfrey 3 conversions). Halftime: 14-12. Yellow cards: Iose, Isaia Walker-Leawere (Hurricanes), Tom Savage (Moana).