Photo source: Photosport
As many assumed, the contest between Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika was an excitement-fueled showcase that went right down to the wire to kickstart both sides’ second year of the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Yet again the flair, passion and physicality of both Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika was on full display for the Rugby world to witness which concluded in a last minute try to debutant Taniela Rakuro proved to be the match winner in what was a physical encounter from the get-go.
The physicality between the two teams was immense and the game became quite a high-scoring affair with 11 total tries being scored bringing it to a final score of 36-34. Moana Pasifika shot out to a 12-0 lead which turned into a 26-19 lead at halftime.
Fijian Drua Coach Mick Bryne believes the side had a chat at halftime that may have flipped the momentum in the Drua’s favour.
“We started slowly but the boys got into it after we had a chat at half-time, and they played with the freedom that I allowed them. Put it this way, we were looking forward to playing our games in front of our fans and do they deserve it?”.
Moana Pasifika coach Aaron Mauger was left disappointed with his sides heartbreaking loss.
“I am proud of the guys for putting in the effort against a team that came at them”. They started really well. We gave them a couple of opportunities to get back into the game and I think our game management was poor.
“We gave them opportunities and they were good enough to take them.”
The game itself once again highlighted how important the Pacific teams are to the success of the Super Rugby, the excitement levels were high, the passion was flowing and the comradery from both teams after the conclusion of the game and the effect that had on the fans perfectly epitomizes what the game of Rugby is all about.
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Article written by:
Kace O’Neill & Vanessa Leota
