Moana Pasifika and the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have recorded their first wins of the season, delivering what can be considered upsets of the year. Moana Pasifika secured their first-ever win against a New Zealand Super Rugby team, while the Drua toppled the undefeated Chiefs, ending their perfect run at the top of the table.

Drua was looking to record their first win at home against the Chiefs, however, head coach Glen Jackson knew they would need to refine their tactics against a team that has dominated in almost every key area.

The Drua did just that, as they managed to contain the Chiefs scrum, they executed well in the lineouts and were active at breakdowns. The Drua targeted the Chiefs in the specific key areas and managed to capitalize on it. 

Glen Jackson also made sure to send in reinforcements in the right moment, as the bench really did their job in lifting the momentum right until the final whistle at the packed Churchill Park in Lautoka.

Moana Pasifika’s first victory of the season was a sweet one in front of 6,000+ passionate fans at the North Harbour Stadium.

Loose forward Miracle Faiilagi was one of the stars of the game, recording the team’s first ever hat-trick in Super Rugby Pacific. The Samoan international was exceptional and was a huge part of the win.  

It was a physical match to start with each team exchanging tries, first to the Hurricanes’ Brayden Iose and then Faiilagi. Star first-five Patrick Pellegrini was another highlight starting in his first every Super Rugby game, nailing five of six conversions and setting up an incredible run by Kyren Taumoefolau which ended in a Faiilagi try. 

The forwards were influential in the scrum and maul, with new recruits Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and Millennium Sanerivi also crossing the line with their powerful line break.

Moana Head coach, Tana Umaga explained that they’ve gained much needed exposure in the first opening games. 

“The first three games we showed glimpses of what we can do, and then we put that together tonight. We’re only in round four and we’ve got a bye now and we want to keep improving.

“It was great to see the Drua get up on the Chiefs as well so the Pacific Islands are doing well. It’s great when you have Super Rugby Pacific and the Pacific teams are winning.”

“We won’t get ahead of ourselves, there’s plenty more for us to do.”