Macarthur parked but silverware waits
Moana Pasifika denied at Lautoka fortress
Flying winger Taniela Rakuro helped himself to two tries as Fijian Drua bounced back to claim a tight 24-17 win over Moana Pasifika at their Lautoka fortress.
Although they lost to the table-topping Hurricanes in Suva last Friday, the Drua remain undefeated at Churchill Park.
The Drua were on course for a comfortable win after scoring 17 points without reply in the first half thanks to early tries from wingers Rakuro and Selestino Ravutaumada.
But Moana Pasifika set up a thrilling finale after outscoring the Drua three tries to one in the second half.
After a scoreless first half, Tana Umaga’s team finally got themselves on the scoreboard when Drua fullback Ilaisa Droasese spilled a kick in behind, allowing Henry Taefu to pounce in the 48th minute.
Rakuro’s 69th minute try in the left corner – his second of the afternoon – proved crucial though and gave the Drua just enough of a buffer that they were able to withstand Moana Pasifika’s late fightback.
Moana forwards Sione Havili-Talituli and Sama Malolo both scored tries in the final eight minutes to close the gap to seven points.
However, it was too little, too late after leaving themselves with too much work to do at halftime.
The big picture
The two teams came into Saturday’s game level on 13 points, in seventh and eighth place. While their positions have not changed, the Drua’s win lifts them up to 17 points, creating some breathing room over Moana Pasifika, who had to settle for a bonus point.
What’s next
Moana Pasifika will be hoping to draw a big turnout when they host the Highlanders at Teufaiva Stadium in Tonga next Saturday while a difficult road trip awaits the Drua, travelling to Canberra to play the Brumbies on the same day.