They could have played with their tail between their legs, or they could produce a defiant performance. The latter was certainly the outcome on Saturday.
In one of the most memorable matches this season Pacific and Pikiao battled out a cracking match in wet and muddy conditions.
As could be expected, considering the conditions, most of the match was played up the middle of the park between the two forward packs.
Both teams simply battered each other during the contest which, at times, resembled a war rather than a game of footy.
Such was the quality of defence on display - aided by some errors from both teams - no points were scored until the last minute of the first half.
Pikiao winger Scotty Evans was sent to the sin bin for what looked to be a shoulder charge.
Pacific made the most of the extra man with centre Weyan Hewett finishing off a neat play down the left edge. Pacific missed the conversion but went into the break 4-0 up.
By this time the crowd sensed they were in for a thrilling last 40 minutes.
Pikiao finally found a way through the brick wall-like defence of Pacific shortly after the break. Pikiao halfback Doug Unuwai Jr slipped a kick into the in-goal on the last tackle and Pikiao's Rawiri Lingman was first to the ball.
Rhys Hohepa missed the conversion from close range to keep the scores at 4-4.
Referee Kevin Sullivan sent Pikiao's Balmain Smith to the sin bin with about 20 minutes remaining.
Pacific took the two points from right in front, then added another penalty a few minutes later.
The win clearly meant a lot to the competition leaders, with their reserves and supporters running onto the field to celebrate.
Pikiao player Rocky Ahuriri said he was proud of his team mates to put up that sort of a performance.
"Everyone stepped up aye, we all knew what to expect of Pacific," he said. "It could have gone either way in that wet weather."
- Pikiao 4 (Rawiri Lingman try) Pacific 8 (Weyan Hewett try; Victor Karora-Reu 2 pen)
