The NSW Waratahs' season continues to go from bad to worse after they were outclassed 27-12 by Moana Pasifika.
By the time the Waratahs got into gear, the hosts had run away with the game as Moana Pasifika kept their finals hopes alive.
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So what did we learn?
The Waratahs have to turn their focus towards the future after all but being resided to the wooden spoon.
They created a plethora of chances but the execution was off at the key moments whilst the defence fell apart when Moana got into their 22.
It was only the last quarter they started to find their groove and get some success but it was too little, too late.
A win next week against the Reds may not save their blushes from finishing last with the Crusaders hosting Moana Pasifika.
There needs to be serious discussions in Daceyville to avoid a similar fate in 2025 when marquee signing Joseph Suaalii arrives.
It was a perfect celebration for some of Moana Pasifika’s legends as they farewelled three of their most special players in their final home game.
Christian Leali’ifano and Sekope Kepu are legends within Australian Rugby and have added enormously to the expansion side on and off the field.
Kepu’s 62nd minute try drew joyous scenes as the prop barged over against his old side.
Backrower Solomone Funaki has rarely featured in 2024 but he was one of the best backrowers last season as he won the club’s top award.
All three players will leave massive holes to fill leadership-wise as they enter a new era.
Dylan Pietsch has been one of the few bright spots for the Waratahs in 2024.
The winger has been sensational to finish the season and looked dangerous as he had a dozen tackle busts and three offloads.
He deserved a try in the opening minutes off a break that he started before a knock-on in the build-up brought it back. Pietsch then set up Izaia Perese after a long-range effort that started on their line
If Pietsch doesn’t get picked in Joe Schmidt’s squad, he’s one of several Super stars that should really put their hands up for an Olympics berth.
Likewise, Jake Gordon works tirelessly behind a pack that has struggled this season and is firming for a recall to the Test arena.
In 2025, Moana Pasifika’s backline needs to revolve around Kyren Taumoefolau.
The fullback was a late inclusion in the contest but had an instant impact when he sprinted through the line for the opening try. His acceleration then set up the second try for Fine Inisi to score.
Taumoefolau has started just four games this season but plays like his chip and chase before the break shows just how explosive he can be when he’s in clean space.
The 21-year-old provides the x-factor Moana has missed after Levi Aumua and Timoci Tavatavanawai’s departure.
You have to feel for Neria Foma'i after his hopes for his first try of the year was dashed by the sniper in the stands.
Foma'i sprinted into space in the tenth minute before instantly pulling up with a ‘blown tyre’, clutching his hamstring.
The 32-year-old has worked hard to get back into the Moana Pasifika side and it was a tough scene to see him pull up lame.
