Moana Pasifika delivered an impressive display, defeating the Fijian Drua 40-26 at Churchill Park in Lautoka. The match was characterized by Moana Pasifika’s strong first half, where captain Miracle Fai’ilagi made a significant impact, scoring two tries.
Moana’s forward pack showcased their dominance, controlling the contact areas and outmatching their opponents. In contrast, the Fijian Drua struggled to establish their rhythm early on, with debut half-back Issak Fines-Leileiwasa facing difficulties in both securing reliable ball from the rucks and defending against Moana’s powerful forwards.
Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa emerged as a pivotal player for Moana Pasifika, driving play forward particularly during scrum situations. Their momentum translated into a notable advantage, with Moana scoring four tries in the first half compared to the two from the Drua, leading to a halftime score of 28-12.
While the Drua’s Virimi Vakatawa provided stability in the midfield, it was insufficient to counteract the aggressive play from Moana Pasifika. The second half saw Moana maintain their offensive pressure, with Fai’ilagi adding another try shortly after the break. The Drua’s fullback Ilaisa Droasese responded with a score, while experienced halfback Frank Lomani introduced a fresh dynamic to their attack.
At one point, with the score at 33-19, a comeback seemed possible for the Drua. However, Moana Pasifika’s defense remained resolute, with fly-half Patrick Pellegrini expertly managing the game through tactical kicking. Despite the Drua’s continued efforts, including a long-range kick leading to another score, they fell short.
In the closing minutes, Moana Pasifika secured their victory with a final try from replacement flanker Ofa Tauatevalu, cementing the win at 40-26. This triumph not only underscores Moana Pasifika’s growth in both performance and strategy but also reflects their rising potential in the competition.