Page 32 - IB February 2025

Sports Sports

Elia Canakaivata after a hard fought game against the ACT Brumbies in Round 1

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC 2025: ISLAND

TEAMS HAVE A SOLID START

By Alipate Pareti Closing and finishing the game strong is also an area to
prioritise. Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua both led their
The 2025 Super Rugby season has kicked off, with Pacific oppositions in the dying stages of their round one matches but
teams Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua having decent start did not capitalise on the opportunity to close the game and
to the season, even if the scoreboards didn’t go their way. secure the win.
Judging from action in round one, the Moana Pasifika and For the Drua, strengthening is needed of the inside and
Fijian Drua will need to work on a couple of key areas this outside centers. The combination in the midfield needs to
season. meet the benchmark set by Kalaveti Ravouvou (now with the
Defending or countering the opposing teams’ driving mauls Bristol Bears) and Iosefo Masi in past seasons.
was one of the biggest weak spots last week. The Drua
and Moana Pasifika forward packs need to communicate Moana Pasifika players to watch
consistently, muscle up and commit in attempting to stop the Jackson Garden-Bachop is a very creative fly half. He’s
maul. unpredictable, decisive and controls the game well. Do not be
Indiscipline was also an issue for the Fijian Drua. They fooled by his wide frame, Garden-Bachop is pretty light on his
copped two yellow cards against the ACT Brumbies and had feet.
to play with just 13 men for 16 minutes in the first half. Blindside winger, Kyren Taumoefolau racked up impressive
Maintaining good discipline and refraining from giving soft numbers after the first round: 126 meters carried, 54 post
penalties would hugely lift their game. contact meters, 4 line breaks, 4 defenders beaten and two
Making the tackles count is also an area for attention. tries. If Taumoefolau maintains this form, it will be a tough
Defence needs to be tighter in the fringes and more tackles time for the opposition.
need to stick. There were occasions where opposing teams Miracle Fai’ilagi is a workhorse. He continues to thrive
exposed the inside channels of the ball carriers or the rucks, in the backrow as a good blindside flanker. He is always in
which ultimately led to tries. support with great offloading abilities. Fai’ilagi is a hard-
working player, and a great asset for Moana Pasifika.

32 Islands Business, February 2025