Epic battle!

DRUA FELL SHORT IN THRILLING FIGHTBACK

A BATTLE of the Pacific that went down to the wire as the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua fell short of an incredible comeback to a 14-man Moana Pasifika side in Super Round at Melbourne, Australia.

The Drua staged a late comeback with 10 minutes to go but their Pacific brothers held on desperately to win 39-36 at AAMI

Park in round two of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition.

This marked Drua’s first loss to the Tana Umaga-coached side and another loss on the road.

Moana was on the front foot from the get-go with a try and converted penalty to lead 8-0.

Drua responded with a try to Elia Canakaivata which was setup by Selestino Ravutaumada as they trailed 5-8.

They were locked 8-all minutes from halftime when Isiah Armstrong-Ravula slotted in a successful penalty but a yellow card to Ravutaumada for interfering with the ball gave Moana the numbers advantage to score their second try and lead 15-8 at the break.

Moana was on the board again quickly into the second half extending the lead 22-8.

Just like a seesaw, the Drua executed a lineout set-piece as captain Meli Derenalagi delivered an inside pass to Ravutaumada who sped through to score under the sticks.

Armstrong-Ravula converted to narrow the scoreline at 15-22 but this only lasted for a hot minute as Moana Pasifika caught the Drua defenders napping with two converted tries to lead 36-15.

It appeared they had an easy win with a huge score margin, but the Drua rallied seeing Canakaivata and Epeli Momo cross over with less than 10 minutes on the clock.

Racing against time and the scoreboard, the Fijians maintained possession and made it count with Junior Ratuva scoring on his debut.

As time hit the 80-minute mark and the Drua holding possession, Moana Pasifika desperately defended but a loose ball and scrappy play cost Mick Byrne’s men an epic comeback win.

The Drua host the Crusaders in Lautoka next week.