Missed conversion gives Drua victory

Missed conversion gives Drua victory

By Naveel Krishant
Saturday 27/05/2023

Christian Leali'ifano missed a conversion on the stroke of full time that gave the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua a 47-46 victory over the Moana Pasifika in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.

The victory also keeps the Drua’s chances of making the quarter finals alive.

Drua centre Iosefo Masi scored three tries, Ilaisa Droasese scored two tries while captain Meli Derenalagi and Eroni Sau got a try each for the Drua.

The Moana Pasifika scored majority of their tries from set pieces from line-outs which the Drua were not able to counter.

The Drua was leading 47-41 when the Moana Pasifika scored a try in the final minute of the match, however Leali'ifano missed the crucial conversion and the Drua got their victory.

Captain Meli Derenalagi says they have to work on their mistakes.

Match Report

79th minute- Moana Pasifika get a try but fail with the conversion.

67th minute - It is far from over as Moana Pasifika score a try under the post.

59th minute- Abraham Pole scores for the Moana Pasifika as they close the gap.

55th minute- Third try for Iosefo Masi as the Drua run riot in Lautoka.

53rd minute- Iosefo Masi also gets his second try as the Drua extend their lead.

44th minute- Ilaisa Droasese gets his second try.

42nd minute- Moana Pasifika kicks a penalty to lead 27-26

40' The half-time whistle blows and both teams head for the dressing rooms.

26' Fabulous play by Fijian Drua has led to Joseva Tamani being able to wriggle through a gap.

35' The ball swings towards the posts but floats to the right, Christian Leali'ifano will have to re-adjust the radar.

34'Incisive passing by Moana Pasifika is finished off by Levi Aumua, as they goes over for the try.

31' The pressure has finally told as Eroni Sau scores from close range...Fijian Drua go for goal with Frank Lomani taking the conversion but their aim is not up to scratch as the ball slides to the left of the post.

27'Silky skills by Moana Pasifika ends with a try for William Havili, Christian Leali'ifano makes no mistake with that conversion attempt.

27'Trouble here as William Havili breaches the defence.

23'- Great forward play by Moana Pasifika allows Ezekiel Lindenmuth to score the try, Christian Leali'ifano curls the ball too far, missing the posts to the left.

22'- Penalty to Moana Pasifika

15'- Ilaisa Droasese gets another try for the Drua after a scrum move from inside their own half.

13'- Iosefo Masi scores a spectacular solo try.

8' Ratu Meli Derenalagi scores the try from close range, Frank Lomani has kicked a conversion.

7' The defensive line has been broken as Joseva Tamani goes through the gap.

4' Great hands by Moana Pasifika leads to a try for William Havili, Christian Leali'ifano has kicked a conversion.

3'- Drua try to break away from inside their territory but are thrown into touch.

1' The defensive line has been broken as William Havili goes through the gap.

1'- Penalty to Moana Pasifika

We are underway as the referee blows their whistle.

Teams

Drua (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Joseva Tamani, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Tela Tela, Eroni Sau, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese.

Replacements: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Michael Naitokani./p>

Moana Pasifika (1-15): Ezekiel Lindenmuth, Luteru Tolai, Sosefo ‘Apikotoa, Michael Curry, Mike McKee, Penitoa Finau, Alamanda Motuga, Solomone Funaki (c), Jonathan Taumateine, Christian Lealiifano, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Henry Taefu, Levi Aumua, Tima Fainga’anuku, William Havili

Replacements: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Chris Apoua, Mahonri Ngakuru, Miracle Faiilagi, Ereatara Enari, Fine Inisi. Jonah Mau’u.

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