A comprehensive 34-15 win by Moana Pasifika has kept the side in the finals hunt after taking down the Fijian Drua.

The Drua enjoyed early territory and possession but had little luck converting that into points.

It allowed Moana Pasifika to weather the storm and eventually strike for the opener in the 25th minute.

Danny Toala started and finished the move as the backs combined for a well-worked try when Toala dived over following centre partner Lalomilo Lalomilo’s strong burst.

Five minutes later, the hosts extended their lead as Miracle Fai’ilagi dived over from short.

Moana Pasifika had a 17-0 at the break when Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa powered over three minutes from half-time.

Fai’ilagi had a second after the break as the hosts looked to run away with the game.

Hooker Tevita Ikanivere kept the Drua in the game when the replacement raced away for their first points.

The Savea brothers looked to steady the ship, with Ardie nearly producing the try of the year when the flanker kicked for himself and re-collected, only for the masterpiece to be brought back for a mistake in the build-up.

Nonetheless, older brother Julien showed the Moana captain how it’s done when he dived over untouched in the corner two minutes later.

It was his 63rd Super Rugby try, two behind Hurricanes and All Blacks legend TJ Perenara and one behind Crusader Sevu Reece.

Taniela Rakuro hit instantly back when the ball spilled out just after the kick-off and the winger showed his pace to keep the Drua in the game.

The visitors kept the pressure on but in the story of the game, Moana Pasifika stood up when it mattered as Tevita Ofa sealed the win and maximum points with three minutes to go.

 

The win sees the hosts move into seventh spot, just a point behind the sixth-place NSW Waratahs, although the Highlanders and Hurricanes still remain to be played.

As for the Fijian Drua, they face a hefty fight to get off the bottom of the ladder after their eighth loss of the year.

Moana Pasifika 32 (Tries: Toala, Fai'ilagi 2, Tupou Ta’eiloa, J. Savea, Ofa; Cons: Garden Bachop) def Fijian Drua 15 (Tries: Ikanivere, Rakuro; Cons: Armstrong-Ravula; Pens: Armstrong-Ravula)

 

Moana Pasifika: 15 William Havili, 14 Fine Inisi, 13 Lalomilo Lalamilo, , 12 Danny Toala, 11 Fine Inisi, 10 Jackson Garden-Bachop, 9 Jonathan Taumateine, 8 Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, 7 Ardie Savea (captain), 6 Miracle Faiilagi, 5 Samuel Slade, 4 Tom Savage, 3 Feleti Sae-Ta’ufo’ou, 2 Millennium Sanerivi, 1 Tito Tuipulotu.
Replacements: 16 Tomasi Maka, 17 Monu Moli, 18 Chris Apoua, 19 Allan Craigm, 20 Sione Havili Talitui, 21 Melani Matavao, 22 Patrick Pellegrini, 23 Julian Savea

Fiji Drua: 15 Vuate Karawelavu, 14 Taniela Rakuro, 13 Inia Tabuavou, 12 Isikeli Rabitu, 11 Ponipate Longanimasi, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Simione Kuruvoli, 8 Kitione Salawa, 7 Motikiai Murray, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Leone Rotuisolia, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Samu Tawake, 2 Mesulame Dolokoto (captain), 1 Peni Ravai.
Replacements: 16 Tevita Ikanivere, 17 Meli Tuni, 18 Mesake Doge, 19 Mesake Vocevoce, 20 Elia Canakaivata, 21 Leone Nawai, 22 Kemu Valetini, 23 Selestino Ravutaumada

Referee: Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees: Matt Kellahan, Marcus Playle
TMO: Glenn Newman