Moana Pasifika stun Highlanders to enter Super Rugby playoffs mix

Moana Pasifika have come from behind to beat the Highlanders in a stunning 34-29 victory which has put them into the playoffs frame.

In a thrilling finish under the roof in Dunedin, replacement halfback Melani Matavao charged down an attempted clearance kick and collected the bouncing ball to score in the corner for a converted try with five minutes remaining.

Two minutes earlier, the Highlanders had taken the lead with a converted try from a lineout drive for replacement hooker Jack Taylor.

The victory, inspired once again by skipper Ardie Savea, who scored a brilliant individual try, is the first time Moana have beaten the Highlanders and they now have five wins for the season – the first time they have achieved that many.

The win allowed them to overtake the Blues, the other Auckland-based franchise, into sixth position. The top six qualify for the playoffs.

With four rounds remaining, the Chiefs, Crusaders, Brumbies, Reds and Hurricanes are the other teams in the finals mix.

The defeat for the Highlanders means they are almost certainly out of the playoffs.

Moana Pasifika's defence and ability over the ball at the breakdown gave them an edge, with the Highlanders' set piece struggles continuing.

The visitors' fitness and ability to score late in the game - they are the competition leaders in terms of scoring the most points in the final quarter of matches - got them home again in a victory loudly celebrated by their players and supporters in the deep south.

Second-five Danny Toala’s try allowed Moana to quickly reply to one by Highlanders fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens after six minutes, with wing Jonah Lowe adding to the home side’s total.

But Moana hit straight back via centre Lalomilo Lalomilo, and in the only points scored in the second quarter, William Havili slotted a penalty after the halftime siren to give his side a 17-12 lead at the break.

Straight after halftime, Havili was sinbinned for a high tackle on Highlanders first-five Cam Miller but Moana struck with a hugely important try from Savea, who, taking the ball to the line, chipped ahead with his left foot and controlled the ball with his knee to win the race to the tryline.

The try was similar to one that was overturned during his side’s victory over the Fijian Drua last weekend.

Lowe’s second try for the home side allowed the Highlanders to draw level, but flanker Miracle Fai’ilagi scored in the corner to hand his side the lead again with 13 minutes remaining before the thrilling finale.