Fijian Drua beat error-riddled Moana Pasifika 34-19 in Super Rugby’s newest rivalry

Fijian Drua beat error-riddled Moana Pasifika 34-19 in Super Rugby’s newest rivalry

SKY SPORT

Moana Pasifika pay the price for a slow start as the Fijian Drua emerge victorious in the first Pasifika derby.

At CommBank Stadium, Sydney: Fijian Drua 34 (Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta try 5min, Vinaya Habosi try 7min, Apisalome Vota tries 31min, 69min; Teti Tela 4 cons, 2 pens). Moana Pasifika 19 (Solomone Funaki try 12min, Abraham Pole try 36min, Timoci Tavatavanawai try 56min; Lincoln McClutchie con, William Havili con). HT: 24-12

The Fijian Drua have won the contest for bragging rights between the two Super Rugby newcomers, comprehensively beating a sloppy Moana Pasifika in Sydney.

Drua halfback Frank Lomani passes the ball against Moana Pasifika at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta.

Mark Evans/Getty Images

Drua halfback Frank Lomani passes the ball against Moana Pasifika at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta.

Moana Pasifika were slow out of the blocks in a tepid display – conceding two tries in the first 1src minutes – and were forced to chase the game all afternoon in arguably their most disappointing performance of the season.

The loss leaves them rooted to the bottom of the ladder, five points behind the Drua – albeit with a game in hand against the Western Force.

READ MORE:
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* Recap: Crusaders vs Brumbies – Super Rugby Pacific
* Highlanders thrash Western Force 61-1src as Sam Gilbert shines at No 1src

Trailing 24-12 at halftime, Moana Pasifika briefly threatened a comeback when a beautiful crossfield kick from Danny Toala set up a try for Timoci Tavatavanawai after 56 minutes.

However, t

…. to be continued
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