Moana Pasifika have beaten the Fijian Drua for the first time in Super Rugby Pacific history despite being down to 13 men at the death.
The Tana Umaga-led outfit ultimately edged out Mick Byrne’s men, winning 39-36 at AAMI Park.
At one point, Moana Pasifika led 36-15 but were dealt two big blows when Nigel Ah Wong copped a red card for a no-arms tackle with no mitigation.
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Sekope Kepu, making his return to Super Rugby Pacific for the first time since 2022, got a stiff yellow card for being off-side on his own try line.
Still, the Pacific Island all-comers held on despite a massive comeback from the Drua.
“They get the business done in the end, but they were given an almighty scare,” said Stan Sport commentator Jeff McTainsh.
“What a comeback by the Fijian Drua against the Moana Pasifika side who at one stage were playing with 13.”‘
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Justin Harrison hailed the coming-of-age moment for Moana Pasifika in what is year three for the team in the competition.
“That’s the journey this Moana Pasifika side have been on now,” said Harrison on Stan Sport’s coverage.
“Fijian Drua, coming into Super Rugby Pacific comp found their feet a bit quicker. They’ve got the national team and identity and cohesion.
“Moana Pasifika have taken a little bit longer. They’ve been pulled together now, they’ve got some real style about them.”
Joe Wheeler chimed in, “Don’t they have some steel, don’t they have some backbone, character, attitude, commitment? Down to 13 men, unbelievable; the character of this team.
“Defended for the last 20 minutes of that game. Somehow came away with the win. What a game. What an absolute performance from that side.”
On balance, Moana were the better side in the first half. As the break approached, the ledge read eight points apiece until a try just after the hooter gave them a 15-8 lead.
Sione Mafileo and Lotu Inisi were the try scorers for Moana in the first half while Elia Canakaivata got the Drua’s sole try in the first half.
The Drua might have had the advantage going into the break if not for a knock-on picked up by the TMO early on in a field-length try.
The second half was chaotic from start to finish. Henry Taefu scored less than a minute in to extend the Moana advantage.
Another storming run from Selestino Ravutaumada saw the Drua respond almost immediately in the 47th minute.
Sam Moli and Abraham Pole scored within two minutes of each other in the 55th and 57th, giving Moana Pasifika a massive lead.
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Then a flurry of mistakes brought the Drua back into the game. An ugly tackle from Nigel Ah Wong was yellow initially and upgraded to red.
With a little over 10 minutes to go, Super Rugby Pacific returnee Sekope Kepu infringed on the goal line and was sent to the sin bin.
With just 13 men on the field, the Drua made the most of their opportunity.
Elia Canakaivata scored his second try and was quickly followed in by Epeli Momo and debutant Junior Ratava.
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With the scores at 39-36, the Drua had all the momentum. However, mistakes at the death proved costly.
A fumbled ball landed in the hands of Moana Pasifika and it was kicked into touch, giving them their first win over the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific.
Moana Pasifika will face the Melbourne Rebels in round three while the Fijian Drua take on the Crusaders.