The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua faced a tough challenge in their season opener for the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific, ultimately falling to Moana Pasifika by a score of 40–26 at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The match started with Moana Pasifika asserting themselves quickly, as they crossed into the Drua’s territory in less than five minutes. Number eight Semisi Ta’eiloa powered through for an early try, putting Moana ahead 7–0. The visitors continued to press after the restart, doubling their lead to 14–0 with another try in the left corner.
Moana Pasifika maintained their attacking momentum, and following a lineout just outside the Drua try line, flanker Jonathan Taunateine dove over, stretching the score to 21–0. However, the Drua sparked their first sign of life when a broken play led to a well-placed kick into Moana territory. Centre Tuidraki Samusamuvodre took advantage of a gap in the defense, scoring and narrowing the lead to 21–7.
The momentum shifted when the Drua received a yellow card for Mesake Vocevoce, leaving them with 14 players. Moana capitalized on the advantage, with Tevita Ofa scoring from a scrum, extending the lead to 28–7. Nevertheless, the Drua refused to succumb easily, finishing the half strong. A breakout from halfway culminated in a try by flanker Kitione Salawa, bringing the halftime score to 28–12.
Just after the break, Moana Pasifika added to their lead, with captain Miracle Fai’ilagi scoring in the corner less than two minutes into the second half, making it 33–12. The Drua responded with a try from fullback Ilaisa Droasese after a slick passing move, narrowing the score to 33–19. Droasese further impacted the game with a strategic 40–20 kick, which led to another attacking opportunity that co-captain Temo Mayanavanua capitalized on, making it 33–26.
Despite mounting pressure and a series of desperate attempts in the game’s closing stages, the Drua couldn’t find the equalizer, and Moana Pasifika held firm to secure their victory.
Looking ahead, the Drua are set to face the Waratahs next Friday at 8:35 PM, with the match available live on FBC Sports. This upcoming match offers the Drua a chance to bounce back and refine their gameplay as the season progresses. Fans remain hopeful that the team will harness the experience gained from this match to perform better in the future.