Moana Pasifika defeated the Fijian Drua 34-15 in front of a sell-out crowd at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday afternoon. It was their first win over the Fijians on home soil.
It was also a fixture marked on the calendars of many since the schedule was released. As expected the highly anticipated Battle of the Pacific did not disappoint, delivering the entertainment, incredible atmosphere and camaraderie.
Here are some highlights from the epic match.
300th stop for the Bus
Julian Savea marked his 300th first-class game in style, scoring a try within seconds of being on the field.
He became just the 26th player in New Zealand to reach the feat, very fitting that he also played alongside his younger brother Ardie for the first time in Moana Pasifika colours. It was beautiful to see him share a special moment with his family following the match.
“It always means a lot to me,” Julian said of playing with his brother. “Ardie holds a special place in my heart and having him here uplifting our boys throughout the season in terms of our standards. Being able to take the same field as him is always special.”
The 54-test All Blacks’ experience and leadership has been extremely valuable to Moana Pasifika, and he continues to show he’s still got the power and pace to match.
Pasifika unity
Faith is a huge part of Pasifika culture and plays an important role in both the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika teams. It was touching to see both sides come together after the match to sing and pray.
The mutual respect the teams have for each other and the brotherhood is indelible. It’s one of the unique things about Super Rugby Pacific and why this matchup is so special. Both teams have pride in playing for more than just themselves, but also their nations, villages and communities.
Fijian fans
If this was your first time attending a rugby game or you had no idea where the game was, you could’ve guessed it was a Drua home match.
There were hundreds of Drua flags waving high and if not the same, but more Fijian Drua fans than Moana fans. They were passionate, proud and brought the energy. Their love for the game and their team is second to none. It was great to have both fanbases together making for an electric environment.
Ofa dominance
Moana Pasifika winger Tevita Ofa had a performance to remember. He carried 188 metres, made 91 post contact metres, 12 tackles, beat five defenders, and had four linebreaks. To top it all off, he scored an intercept try in the 78th minute.
Ofa has made the most of every opportunity he’s gotten on the field in his maiden season with Moana. He’s versatile, quick and can break the defence apart. At 23 years of age, he’s got a bright future ahead.
Ardie’s disallowed try
If Ardie’s season so far could be summed up in one way, it would be by his sensational try that was disallowed but got everyone on their feet.
Finding himself with the ball on the edge of the touchline, he kicked it, chased it and caught the ball perfectly to cross the line. It was overturned due to a knock-on but it was a moment that made you think “what can’t he do?”
Ikanivere power
Down 22-0 at 47 minutes, the Fijian Drua needed a spark.
Their co-captain Tevita Ikanivere caught the ball on Moana Pasifika’s 22-metre line and busted through the tackle to score under the posts.
Despite the scoreline not going their way, his grit and determination to get his team points after coming off the bench, was huge. The Pasifika Hall of Fame’s 2024 Jonah Lomu Male Player of the Year, leading by example and maintaining the belief within his side.
What the teams said about the match
Fijian Drua captain, Mesulame Dolokoto
“Both teams are from the Islands, we are religious and very spiritual. So to have that at the end is always a special feeling. We don’t have that with other teams but to share that with Moana Pasifika is special.”
Moana Pasifika captain, Ardie Savea
“What an amazing occasion for the Pacific. To have us Moana brothers against the Drua brothers, and bringing the Pacific and all cultures together tonight is what rugby is about.”
ENDS
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