The NSW Waratahs are unable to make a comeback and fall short to Moana Pasifika
Darren Coleman’s side were unable to send off Hooper in fashion, falling to tough physical Moana side 23-33.
It was a game to forget for the men in sky blue with handling errors, ill-discipline and poor decision making letting the home side down.
Lachlan Swinton on return made his presence known throughout the game, with some brutal defensive tackles.
Michael Hooper, the crowd favourite, was at his best once again, whilst Joey Walton was solid in defence
Moana came out of the gates quick and hard, nearly scoring a try from the kick-off. The Waratahs goal line defence was up for the task and showed the men in orange away.
With their first real possession of the night, the Waratahs threw it wide and Joey Walton put a kick in deep. Mark Nawaqanitwase was able to pounce on the free ball and muscle his way over the line for the first try of the night.
Moana would than hit back with a couple of tries of their own. Timoci Tavatavanawai pushed his was over to tie up the game, and a couple minutes later Miracle Faiilagi found the line and the lead.
The Waratahs were unable to build momentum due to handling errors and simple mistakes, this included a disallowed Walton try.
Moana took advantage of the Wartahs errors and marched their way back into the Waratahs half. Pasifika were able to spread the ball to wing for Timoci Tavatavanawai to go in for his double.
The Waratahs missed the Porecki and Holloway combination with four lineouts being lost in throughout the first half.
However, Hugh Sinclair was able to wrap one in 5 meters out from Moana’s line. Through patient phases the Waratahs were able to steal a try back through Ned Hanigan, right before half-time.
The home side went into the sheds down by seven, 14-21.
Coming out of the sheds the Waratahs took an early blow with Harry Johnson-Holmes leaving the field only a few minutes in.
Head Coach Darren Coleman would than look to his bench to bring a spark back into the side. This would include Tolu Latu, Charlie Gamble and recently re-signed Langi Gleeson.
However, simple handling errors poor decision making kept letting the side down and killing all momentum.
This would than lead to Christian Lealiifano scoring a running away try and taking the team to a 14-point lead.
Moana would rub salt into the wounds only minutes later with Mircale Faiilagi crossing for his double.
The Waratahs had one last crack at the cherry with Tolu Latu crossing over from a rolling maul. But it was the captain himself Michael Hooper who stole the show, with a consolation try after full time.
The home side falling short 24-33.
The Waratahs move their attention to finals where they play the Blues in Auckland next week.
WARATAHS (1-15): Nephi Leatigaga, Mahe Vailanu, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Ned Hanigan, Hugh Sinclair, Lachlan Swinton, Michael Hooper (c), Taleni Seu, Harrison Goddard, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Mosese Tuipulotu, Joey Walton, Izaia Perese, Mark Nawaqanitawase
RESERVES: Tolu Latu, Tom Lambert, Archer Holtz, Charlie Gamble, Langi Gleeson, Jake Gordon, Tane Edmed, Harry Wilson
PASIFIKA (1-15): Abraham Pole, Luteru Tolai, Sosefo Apikotoa, Michael Curry, Samuel Slade, Miracle Faiilagi, Penitoa Finau, Solomone Funaki (c), Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Lealiifano, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Henry Taefu, Levi Aumua, Tima Fainga’anuku, William Havili
