In an exciting season opener for the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific, the Fijian Drua suffered a tough defeat at the hands of Moana Pasifika, with a final score of 26-40 at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Despite the fervent support from local fans and the sweltering conditions, the Drua could not counter the early and fierce onslaught from the visitors.
The match commenced with Tupou Ta’eiloa scoring the first try for Moana Pasifika just five minutes in, quickly followed by a successful conversion from Patrick Pellegrini. The visitors maintained their momentum with captain Miracle Fai’ilagi crossing the try-line twice within the next ten minutes, both times converting successfully through Pellegrini, who was instrumental in Moana’s scoring.
The Drua managed to fight back, with Tuidraki Samusamuvodre crossing for their first try in the 23rd minute, supported by a conversion from Kemu Valetini. However, as the game progressed, the momentum swung back again in favor of Moana when Tevita Ofa scored following a yellow card issued to Drua’s Mesake Vocevoce for foul play.
After the break, the contest continued at a high pace, with Fai’ilagi completing his hat trick early in the second half. Temo Mayanavanua, co-captain of the Drua, responded with a try of his own in the 62nd minute, successfully converted by Valetini.
A final push from Moana Pasifika saw Ofa Tauatevalu adding another try in the closing minutes, solidifying their lead and ensuring a victorious start to their season. The performance from the Drua displayed resilience and spirit, hinting at promise in their upcoming matches.
Looking ahead, the Fijian Drua will gear up for their first away game against the New South Wales Waratahs at Allianz Stadium in Sydney next Friday, where they will aim to learn from this match and enhance their gameplay in search of their first victory of the season. With determination and dedication, the Drua have the potential to bounce back strongly.