Swire Shipping Fijian Drua debutants Iosefo Masi and Taniela Rakuro were impressive in their first Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific game as they downed Moana Pasifika 36-34 in Auckland this afternoon.
Moana Pasifika got back to back tries from their props Abraham Pole and Chris Apoua to take a 12-0 lead before Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere got them back into the game with a try for a 5-12 score.
Mike Curry scored to extend Moana’s lead to 19-5.
Sam Slade of Moana Pasifika was sin binned and the Drua capitalised on this through Joseva Tamani’s try to bring it up to 19-12.
Masi scored his first try to level things at 19-19.
Danny Toala got one more for Moana just before half-time as they lead into the break 26-19.
Captain courageous Tevita Ikanivere scored his second bringing them close with just a two points difference before Abraham Pole raced away for his second to extend Moana’s lead to 31-24.
Brilliant play from the Drua set up Masi’s second try to level things at 31 all.
Christian Leali'ifano edged Moana up again with a penalty conversion to lead 34-31 with 5 minutes left to play.
Taniela Rakuro scored on debut ensuring that the Fijian Drua win their first away game as well as their first game of the season.
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