A DOMINANT first half performance by Moana Pasifika enabled them to defeat the Fijian Drua 40-26 at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.
Moana Pasifika captain Miracle Fai’ilagi was instrumental for his side, bagging two tries in the first half.
The strength in the forward pack was the key contributing factor for the Moana Pasifika. They were strong up the middle and dominated the contact areas.
It was a very slow start from the Fijian Drua, and they were playing out of rhythm. Debutant half-back Issak Fines-Leileiwasa did not produce good ball from the rucks, and his defence on the fringes was poor as the big Moana Pasifika forwards targeted him head-on.
Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa was the ruthless enforcer for the Moana Pasifika, running solidly with the ball from the back of the scrums.
Moana Pasifika scored four tries in the first half while Drua managed to grab two before the break. The visitors led 28 – 12.
Virimi Vakatawa held up well in the Drua midfield. The former French rugby star is the latest signing to the Fijian Drua franchise.
In the second half, the Moana Pasifika continued their onslaught. They quickly spread the ball out wide, and Fai’ilagi produced another spectacular try.
The Drua scored one back with fullback Ilaisa Droasese diving over in the left corner. The momentum changed for the Drua as they injected seasoned halfback Frank Lomani into the game.
At 33-19, the Drua mounted a comeback, but the Moana Pasifika defence was firm.
And whenever Moana had possession, fly-half Patrick Pellegrini dictated the pace of the game and was brilliant with his tactical kicking. By now, Moana was trying to slow the game down to maintain their lead.
Eventually, a long-range kick by Ponipate Loganimasi sparked another chance for the Drua. After a successful lineout, the Drua rumbled up the middle to score under the posts.
The Drua were just one converted try away from leveling the scores, but with 10 minutes left on the clock, Moana Pasifika sealed victory with a final try to replacement flanker Ofa Tauatevalu.
Final score at full time was Moana Pasifika 40 – 26 Fijian Drua.