Super Rugby Pacific

Hurricanes complete impressive comeback over Reds

Trailing 17-0 after half-an-hour, they scored 30 unanswered points to complete a 30-17 win over the Queensland Reds in Melbourne on Saturday night.

Two first half yellow cards didn't help the Canes' cause, as the Queensland side scored a pair of early tries to put themselves in the box seat.

However, once the New Zealand side were back to the full complement, they bagged two tries of their own to be just three points adrift at the break.

Trans-Tasman games chance to test ourselves, says Drua coach

This Saturday they play their first trans-Tasman game against the Blues in Melbourne.

It'll be a whole new ball game altogether facing New Zealand-based teams, especially the Super Rugby Pacific leaders, however, Byrne said the players are excited.

The big Pacific match-up against Moana Pasifika takes place on May 14 in Sydney.

Byrne said this weekend will be an opportunity for the Drua to measure themselves against the best.

Super Rugby Pacific: Hurricanes 22, Highlanders 21

The Highlanders are set to welcome the Hurricanes to Dunedin for a final New Zealand derby before both sides take on the Australian leg of the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

The two sides met in Round Three with the Hurricanes finishing the match victorious in a 21-14 win.

The Hurricanes will come into the game with added motivation having narrowly missed out on a win against the Crusaders in the last round.

Hurricanes coach Jason Holland has named a refreshed lineup with only seven players remaining from the starting line-up that played the Crusaders.

'Natural leader' Christian Leali'ifano to captain Moana Pasifika

The former Wallaby and Brumbie's captain takes charge of Moana Pasifika's leadership role following the injury of Sekope Kepu in Friday's 37-17 loss to the Highlanders.

"I'm really excited for Christian, he's a very natural leader," said Moana Pasifika Assistant Coach Filo Tiatia.

"We have total confidence around how he leads, particularly off the field and what he brings on field.

"He's a captain at the highest level, he was a captain of the Brumbies and also had a bit of a leadership role in the Wallabies."

Halfback Enari says inexperience is hurting Moana Pasifika

The former Crusaders No 9 was again strong for Moana Pasifika during their 37-17 loss to the Highlanders on Friday, sparking the attack with his crisp passing and tackling.

However, the team conceded 16 penalties and Enari said the speed of Super Rugby Pacific had been a jolt to the young side's system.

"It's experience at this level, at Super Rugby pace. The more games we get, the more exposure we get to this level and I think we'll be able to take away those penalties," he said.

"Once we get into a normal playing week ... we've had a couple of storm weeks.

Moana Pasifika looking to bounce back against bottom club Highlanders

While Moana Pasifika have one success in their debut season, the Highlanders remain winless after seven rounds.

After being on the receiving end of a 46-16 defeat at the hands of the Blues, head coach Aaron Mauger reflected on the week that was.

"Although we know we're heading in the right direction as a team we were disappointed that we didn't offer our best performance against the Blues at Eden Park," Mauger said.

Blues too good for Moana Pasifika

Blues Hooker Kurt Ekland helped himself to three tries in front of a home crowd of 15'000, while Corey Evans, Caleb Clarke, Bryce Heem and AJ Lam also scored for the hosts.

Moana Pasifika scored one try through Tomasi Alosio, while Christian Leali'ifano kicked three penalties.

The first half was a back and forward affair, with Moana Pasifika leading 6-0 early before the Blues sprung into action and scored twice in four minutes, eventually taking a 29-16 lead into the break.

Crusaders survive Highlanders onslaught in Super Rugby Pacific

Despite having plenty thrown at them after the break, the home side hung on for a 17-14 victory in Christchurch on Friday night.

The visitors never stopped coming throughout the second half and with just three minutes to play there was one last opening when Crusaders replacement hooker Shilo Klein was sent off for a high tackle on Highlanders prop Ethan de Groot.

But the Crusaders managed to close it out in the final moments, meaning a strong defensive effort was eventually rewarded.

Moana Pasifika signs new sponsorship deal with Digicel

Digicel’s TV services – Digicel TV and Sky Pacific brings the game of rugby into the homes of many of the Pacific Island nations and has held exclusive TV broadcast rights for the Pacific region for Super Rugby, Rugby Championship and various international premium competitions since 2016. Service and products are front of mind for Digicel’s Pacific customers, and it is constantly expanding its offering. MyCash Mobile Wallet money transfer service also provides Kiwis and Aussies with an easy and convenient way to send money at lower fees to families in the Pacific direct on their mobile.

Blues hold off Moana Pasifika second half charge

Up 19-5 at halftime, the Blues eventually fought off a spirited fightback from the home side to secure a 32-19 victory at Mt Smart Stadium on Tuesday night.

Moana Pasifika's third try midway through the second spell closed the gap to just five points with 20 minutes remaining.

But the Blues held their nerve, coming up with their fifth try of the match and a late penalty to seal the result.

The two teams were each playing the second match of a three-match run in eight or nine days, meaning both made wholesale changes from their previous game.