Moana Pasifika have stayed firmly in the Super Rugby Pacific finals race after a convincing 34-15 victory over the Fijian Drua at home on Saturday.
Despite the Drua dominating early possession and territory, Moana Pasifika held firm before launching their own attack. Centre Danny Toala opened the scoring in the 25th minute, starting and finishing a slick move after a strong break from Lalomilo Lalomilo.
The hosts struck again just five minutes later, with flanker Miracle Fai’ilagi crashing over from close range to extend the lead. Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa powered over near halftime to make it 17-0 at the break.
Moana Pasifika kept the pressure on after the restart, with Fai’ilagi grabbing his second try to put the home side well in control. Replacement hooker Tevita Ikanivere finally got the Drua on the scoreboard, racing away for their first points.
The Savea brothers then took centre stage, with Ardie Savea almost producing a spectacular solo try before it was called back. Moments later, older brother Julian Savea showed his class, diving over untouched in the corner for his 63rd Super Rugby try — now just two behind TJ Perenara and one behind Sevu Reece on the all-time try-scorers list.
The Drua responded immediately through Taniela Rakuro, who pounced on a spilled ball after the kick-off and sprinted away to score.
While the visitors kept applying pressure late, Moana Pasifika stood tall when it mattered most. Tevita Ofa sealed the win three minutes from fulltime, ensuring maximum points and lifting the team into eighth on the ladder, just one point behind the NSW Waratahs.
The Fijian Drua, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to climb off the bottom of the standings after suffering their eighth defeat of the season.
Moana Pasifika will look to build on the momentum next week as the finals race heats up.