Source: Radio New Zealand
Liam Swiggs / RNZ
A technical issue led to the last 20 minutes of Moana Pasifika’s clash with the Highlanders not broadcast to audiences.
With the score at 39-19 in favour of the visitors, the lights and broadcast went out in Albany.
Perhaps a fortunate thing for Moana fans who were spared from seeing their side slump to a sixth straight loss.
After liaising with Sanzar, the decision was made to continue the match with no Television Match Officials, and no live broadcast.
The score was not added to after the interuption, the Highlanders easing to the win in front of a modest crowd.
Super Rugby’s breakout star in 2026 kicked things off for the visitors, Caleb Tangitau busting his way through some feeble defence to put his side on the board.
The All Black hopeful went back to back after dropping one over the line moments earlier, making no mistake to bag his brace in the left hand corner.
Jona Nareki went in from close range for the Highlander’s third, driving another nail in before the break, Jack Taylor rumbling over from a dominant line-out maul and a dominant 27-0 half-time lead.
Things got worse for Moana after oranges with twin yellow cards leaving their defensive line incredibly vulnerable.
Veveni Lasaqa was the first to take advantage as he strolled over against a 13-man Moana.
The hosts responded in stunning fashion, Millennium Sanerivi finishing a superb interchange.
It was back-to-back for Maona, Allan Craig barging over when the Sky broadcast was cut.
A livestream was run by Moana media manager Matt Manukia on Instagram which quickly gained over a thousand viewers.
No scoring plays were missed, as the Highlanders closed out a comfortable victory to avenge last year’s shock loss to Moana in Dunedin.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand