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Fijian Drua Moana won their opening battle with the Pacific, winning 34-19 in Paramatman.
The first meeting of the new teams in Super Rugby Pacific proved to be a high-scoring affair at Combank Stadium, with the Fijians watching the Pacific line-up in a fight and claiming their second win of the season.
However, the defeated Moana captain and former Walabi Sekope Kepu said the match was more important than the outcome.
“Today was a special day, a historic day for the people of the Pacific island, for the Polynesians,” he said. Stan Sport.
“It simply came to our notice then.
“Some initial attempts, ball bounce can be quite cruel at times, but it’s Fijian style rugby, you jump at any opportunity.”
Drua was in the lead five minutes later when Calaveti found a nice offload for Ahivaru Sirikidaveta at Ravouu and it was only after 14-0 when fast winger Binaya Habosi was released and ran more than half the field to score.
Moana got on board when Solomon Funaki fell from behind a mall and climbed to the top, but an unfortunate bounce extended their lead through the Episalom voters towards the end of the first half.
Strong Pacifica Mall allowed prop Abraham Pole to score and cut the gap to 12 before the break and they came even closer early in the second half when Danny Towala’s one-inch perfect winger Timosi Tavatanawai was seen crossing the corner.
At 24-19, Moyana had some moments where it looked like they could taste victory, but Drua froze the contest with a penalty before the vote doubled to 34-19.
This was Druer’s first win since the third round, when they knocked out the Melbourne Rebels.
© AAP