An inspired Moana Pasifika stunned the Brumbies 32-22 on Saturday night to shake up the Super Rugby Pacific final comparison.
The Brumbies, Australia’s leading team, had already booked a home quarter-final next weekend but will now finish fourth on the ladder after starting the round in third.
They will be hosting the Hurricanes or Waratahs, with both sides coming into action later on Saturday night.
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Moana Pasifika will end their debut season with the wooden spoon despite the shocking win.
It was only their second win of the year and all the more remarkable given that talisman captain Sekope Kepu was sent off for a high tackle after 11 minutes.
Wallabies great Kepu played in his 150th Super Rugby game and looked distraught after being shown a red card.
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But instead of wilting, Kepu’s teammates lifted up and played bruises and smart rugby against the shocked visitors at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium.
“I’m very happy for our Pasifika people,” said an emotional Kepu after the game.
“I’m just grateful to be a part of it and still be playing rugby.”
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It was particularly special for Moana Pasifika’s pivot Christian Leali’ifano, who played against his former team and kicked a 50-22 clutch after passing an HIA earlier in the evening.
“A magical evening and an outstanding performance,” Mils Muliaina, the great All Blacks, said in the commentary.
“They have inspired their people and absolutely deserve this win.”
William Havili, Joe Apikotoa and Lotu Inisi scored five points for Moana Pasifika, who also got a penalty try.
Brumbies’ attempts were scored by Connal McInerney, Lachlan Lonergan and Pete Samu.
The visitors were reduced to 13 men at the start of the second half when McInerney and Jahrome Brown were shown the yellow card.
“Very disappointing from our side – outplayed and enthusiastic,” said Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa.
“The positive side is we get another chance in the final next week. They dominated the clash tonight. The disappointing thing is they took us in our own game against us – a couple of maul attempts there.
“We have a home quarter next week and I know the boys are ready.”
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