What a way to start the 2026 season, with Moana Pasifika’s defeating the Fijian Drua for the first time at Churchill Park, Lautoka 40-26.
The victory broke a nine game win-streak for the Drua at their fortress. The energy and vibes from the crowd were unmatched as Moana Pasifika showed grit to come out on top despite a late surge from the Fijians.
Moana Pasifika got off to a flying start before the burning heat of the west started to prove a challenge. There were no pre-match challenges by either team due to heat protocols being activated.
The Drua fought hard to try catch up from 21 points down. Their fight in the second half saw co-captain Temo Mayanavanua score his first Super Rugby try on debut.
But Moana Pasifika stayed composed with a late try to Ofa Tauatevalu making it difficult for the home team to recover.
Here are some highlights from the Battle of the Pacific.
Forwards Dominate With Strong Start
The power of Moana Pasifika’s forwards led by captain Miracle Faiilagi played a big part in the win. The team took advantage of the strength and precision of the forwards by building phases and stay patient in order to cross the line.
This was clear when Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa went up against multiple Fijian Drua players to score the first try of the season.
Moana Pasifika scored three converted tries in the first 20 minutes. Faiilagi led the way with a hat-trick to start his captaincy campaign with a bang.
The team held their ground in the first half with the forwards giving them momentum to take a 28-12 lead at halftime.
Playmaking & Kicking On Point
The playmaking and kicking of Patrick Pellegrini, Jonathan Taumateine and William Havili were class. They all contributed helping gain territory for the team and kept the Drua on their toes.
Havili’s 50/22 in the first half gave Moana the chance to compete on attack early in the game. While Pellegrini nailed five from six conversions.
Milestones
The Battle of the Pacific was a special occasion celebrating two Pacific teams in the competition coming together in the Islands – a moment that doesn’t happen very often.
It also marked Faiilagi’s first match as captain of Moana Pasifika. William Havili became the first Moana Pasifika player to achieve 50 caps, after five seasons of loyalty to the club.
There were also four Moana Pasifika debutants including Dominic Ropeti, Denzel Samoa, Glen Vaihu and Ngani Laumape. It was Laumape’s first Super Rugby game since 2021.
The Drua also celebrated five new caps for their team including Temo Mayanavanua, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Virimi Vakatawa, Manasa Mataele and Penaia Cakobau.
What The Teams Said
Fijian Drua co-captain Temo Mayanavanua
“There were areas where we could take more control on the field, but I’m just gutted we didn’t get the result we wanted. We’ll review this game and like coach said we’ll focus on the positives. It’s a six day turn around, we can’t dwell on this game way too much we need to move on.
“I learned from this game that we need to start strong, we can’t be depending on a try, a penalty to wake us up so if we can take the initiative to start strong and take control of the game that’s 100% in our control.”
Moana Pasifika head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga
“We need opportunities like we have now with the Drua and Moana Pasifika who showcase our skills and our culture to the world. As we showed today in Lautoka it was a great way to start the season.
“This is something that should stay as it is. There should be thought around how do we keep the Islands involved because that’s important. Everyone knows that Pacific Island players make up around 40% of rugby union and rugby league players.
“They should give opportunities to those other kids that are coming through because there’s plenty more coming through. It’s up to both the Drua and Moana to keep developing that. They need help in resourcing that. I don’t know if they get enough help, I know we don’t get enough help as Moana Pasifika.
“But we just get on with the job and do it because our cause and movement is strong and we know there’s plenty of kids that deserve opportunity and we’re here for them.”
ENDS
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