Anna 
Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan gave key players their first pre-season minutes, including Emoni Narawa, Jacob Norris, Samipeni Finau, Anton Lienert-Brown, Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia, Quinn Tupaea, and Malachi Wrampling. For Moana Pasifika, the match marked a special occasion with All Black Ardie Savea making his debut for the team in the second half, adding firepower to Tana Umaga’s squad.
The match kicked off with both sides eager to play expansive rugby, spreading the ball wide in an attempt to break down each other’s defensive lines. Chiefs flyhalf Josh Jacomb was quick to impose his kicking game, sending several kicks downfield to establish territory for his side.
Moana Pasifika’s defence stood firm in the opening ten minutes, but the Chiefs capitalized on an opportunity when Jacomb delivered a brilliant 50/22 kick, giving the Chiefs prime field position to strike first. From the ensuing lineout, a slick sequence of plays ended with replacement fullback Oscar Koller crossing the try line in the 13th minute. Jacomb converted to give the Chiefs a 7-0 lead.
Jacomb continued to be at the heart of the action, delivering another superb long-range kick from his own 22-meter line that bounced kindly back into his hands. The Chiefs maintained pressure in the Moana Pasifika half, with Leroy Carter finding space on the wing and offloading to Xavier Roe, who scored a try 10 meters in from the touchline. Jacomb’s conversion stretched the Chiefs’ advantage to 14-0 heading into halftime.
Moana Pasifika emerged with renewed energy in the second half, with Kyren Taumoefolau showcasing his speed and skill, nearly breaking through the Chiefs’ defence with a chip-and-chase. However, it was the Chiefs who struck first in the second half. A well-executed lineout saw Taine Kolose bundle his way over the line to score the Chiefs’ third try.
Moana Pasifika responded through a well-timed pass from first-five Patrick Pelligrini, allowing Tuna Tuitama to score a try under the posts and bring the score to 19-7.
One-Test All Black Emoni Narawa then delivered a standout moment, showing his exceptional footwork and vision. A precise offload from New Zealand U20 forward Malachi Wrampling set Narawa free, and the winger capped the play with a deft kick ahead, dotting down for his first try of 2025.
The Chiefs continued to build on their lead with a brilliant long-range try. Lock Tupou Vaa’i punctured the Moana Pasifika defensive line, creating space for Manaaki Selby-Rickit. He found Damian McKenzie, who then selflessly passed to Samipeni Finau for a try in the corner, further extending the Chiefs’ lead.
Late in the match, Pelligrini made an impact, switching from provider to scorer. He found space in the Chiefs’ defence and powered over for a try, bringing the score to 31-12 with 15 minutes remaining.
Pelligrini was one of Moana Pasifika’s standout performers, showcasing the depth at first-five with fellow playmaker Jackson Garden-Bachop also a key option for Umaga’s side.
As the match wound down, Ardie Savea demonstrated his leadership and skill near the try line, setting up prop Semisi Tupou Tailoa for a powerful try, capping off an impressive debut performance for Savea.
Despite a late rally from Moana Pasifika, the Chiefs held firm to secure a 31-19 win in what was an exciting and competitive pre-season fixture.
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