Drua avenges loss defeating Moana Pasifika 24-17 in Lautoka

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have avenged their loss to Moana Pasifika in Round 2 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific after defeating them 24-17 in Lautoka this afternoon.

The scorching heat in Lautoka did not dampen the spirit of fans as they turned up in numbers to witness another Pacific battle.

Olympic gold medallist Iosefo Masi broke through Moana Pasifika's defence and got the pass away to speedster Taniela Rakuro to give the Drua a 7-0 lead.

Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula converted a penalty to keep the Drua ahead.

Moana managed to try the Drua's defence and got a penalty inside the Drua's 22 metre line.

Mesulame Doge was shown a yellow card for a high tackle, giving Moana a chance to put points on the board.

However, the Drua's defence stood strong and managed to hold off Moana Pasifika's attack.

With a few minutes left for half time, the Drua got another converted try through Selestino Ravutaumada.

The Drua led 17-0 at half time.

Moana Pasifika scored their first try in the second half from Henry Taefu to keep them in the game.

The second half saw Moana Pasifika gain a lot of territory but they could not execute at the end.

With 10 minutes left for the second half, Rakuro scored his second try in the corner after a quick ball from the ruck.

Moana hit back with two tries to close the gap to 24-17.

The Drua went on to attack in the final minutes, keeping the ball away from their Pacific brothers but an unconnected pass gave Moana another chance.

The Drua's defence stood tall in the dying minutes, earning a penalty where Armstrong-Ravula kicked the ball out to give them the win.

Meanwhile, the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women will face NSW Waratahs at 4pm tomorrow in Brisbane in the Super Rugby Women’s final.

In other Super Rugby Pacific matches, the Brumbies will take on the Hurricanes at 4.35pm today, the Highlanders will meet the Force at 7.05 tonight and the Reds will play Blues at 9.35 tonight.

Round 11