The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua encountered a challenging start to their season in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific, suffering a defeat to Moana Pasifika with a final score of 40-26 at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
From the outset, Moana Pasifika took control of the match, scoring an early try through number eight Semisi Ta’eiloa within the first five minutes to take a 7-0 lead. They quickly doubled their advantage to 14-0 with another try in the left corner, showcasing their attacking prowess. As the game progressed, flanker Jonathan Taunateine added to their tally, pushing the score to 21-0 after a lineout near the Drua try line.
However, the Drua sparked to life with a moment of brilliance as centre Tuidraki Samusamuvodre exploited a gap in the defense to score, narrowing the gap to 21-7. The momentum shifted briefly when the Drua received a yellow card for Mesake Vocevoce, allowing Moana Pasifika to score again through Tevita Ofa, bringing the score to 28-7. Despite being a player down, the Drua showcased resilience, with flanker Kitione Salawa scoring before half-time to reduce the deficit to 28-12.
The second half saw Moana Pasifika extend their lead further with a try from their captain Miracle Fai’ilagi just after the break, making it 33-12. Yet, the Drua continued to fight back, with fullback Ilaisa Droasese scoring after a slick passing move, closing the score to 33-19. Droasese’s influence on the game grew as he executed a strategic 40-20 kick, allowing co-captain Temo Mayanavanua to score and bring the gap to just 33-26.
Despite the Drua’s relentless efforts and pressure in the closing moments, they were unable to equalize, and Moana Pasifika managed to secure their victory.
Looking forward, the Drua will face the Waratahs next Friday at 8:35 PM, a match that promises to be broadcast live on FBC Sports. This upcoming fixture presents the Drua with an opportunity to bounce back and refine their strategies as the season unfolds. Fans remain optimistic that the lessons learned from this match will help the team improve and achieve better results moving forward.