Moana Pasifika holds on against Drua in a thrilling match.
With little over ten minutes remaining, Moana Pasifika led 39–22 and had just 13 men after Nigel Ah Wong (a former Wallabies prop) was sent off for a no-arms tackle and Sekope Kepu (a former prop) was given a yellow card for a professional foul. Even though the Fijian Drua scored two late tries, Moana Pasifika was unable to win the game.
Seven minutes from the end, the Drua capitalized on their numerical advantage by creating an overlap and a long pass that set up a try for Epeli Momo. With four minutes remaining, Junior Ratuva scored a magnificent try as part of a breakout spearheaded by Selestino Ravutaumada, cutting Moana Pasifika’s advantage to 39-36.
With Ravutaumada in devastating form and on the attack, the Drua appeared guaranteed to finish ahead of Moana Pasifika. However, two critical errors by the Drua—an erroneous lineout and a late turnover—gave Moana Pasifika, based in Auckland, a last possession and the opportunity to clear for touch and conclude the match.
Despite being down to 14 men in the second half, Moana Pasifika scored two tries to potentially earn the victory. It took the Drua far too long to find their rhythm and unleash their most potent offensive form. Their attack was too heavily marred by mistakes.
After the teams went into halftime tied at 8-8, backrower Lotu Inisi scored a try in first-half stoppage time to put Moana Pasifika ahead. Moana Pasifika attacked down the right flank on the final play of the half, then moved play to the left where Inisi crossed in an overlap to score a try, which William Havisi converted, giving the Pacific team a 15-8 lead.
The second half began with a goal by Henry Taefu, and Moana Pasifika added another Havili conversion to increase their advantage to 22-8. The 2024 season got off to a losing start for both Pacific clubs. Moana Pasifika lost to the Highlanders of Dunedin, while the Drua fell short against the Blues of Auckland. Both teams had a lead at the half.