But after going down 4-0 early, Pacific showed plenty of grit and did enough to win. They scored a try and converted with 10 minutes to go before holding on to claim a famous victory.
"It was a true reflection of a final. Players were dropping like flies, players were playing injured and guys were running back on and coming back off. They showed plenty of heart and grit - both sides," Pacific coach Paniora Daniels said.
"Taupo really got up for it, I actually really feel for them because I think that is probably the hardest game we have had.
"Although we lost to Pikiao last week, and that was a really hard game, this one was even harder."
He said they struggled against Taupo's big forward pack, but showed enough patience and finals' experience to win.
Taupo came out firing right from the start of the preliminary final on Saturday.
Outstanding back rower Kane Minhinnick pushed his way over to score Taupo's opening try - the first of his three for the afternoon.
But Pacific's little men became more involved as the game progressed and found some holes in the Taupo defence. Pacific scored the next two tries through Delaney Takari and Ethan Tetevano. Minhinnick ran a good line off his halfback Freedom Carson to score Taupo's second try and make it 12-10 at halftime.
After the break, Cassius Read crossed for Pacific but Ngari Hawkins missed the conversion to keep the margin at six points. A controversial penalty was awarded to Pacific not long after that, on the fifth tackle, and they kicked it to move eight points in front.
Taupo came charging back though, and scored two tries in two minutes.
Minhinnick charged over to complete his hat-trick before captain John Koko showed some class when he re-gathered his own kick and offloaded to set up his team's fourth try.
At 22-18, Taupo had a chance to put the game beyond doubt, but Pacific defended their line well. They forced a turnover and went the length of the field in a couple of plays. Hawkins scored and converted his own try which proved the difference.
In the reserve grade, Reporoa defeated Pikiao Seniors 26-14 on Saturday to progress to the reserve grade final. Reporoa will challenge Pacific reserves next weekend in the final at Puketawhero Park.
Pacific Sharks 24 (Delaney Takari, Ethan Tetevano, Cassius Read, Ngari Hawkins tries; Ngari Hawkins 3 con, pen) defeated Taupo Phoenix 22 (Kane Minhinnick 3, Pauly Penjueli tries; Freedom Carson 3 con)
