Drua hold out fast-finishing Moana Pasifika

Winger Taniela Rakuro scored two tries in the Drua's hard-fought win over Moana Pasifika. (Brett Phibbs/AAP PHOTOS)

Fijian Drua have exacted some revenge on Moana Pasifika, holding out their rivals to secure a hard-fought 24-17 Super Rugby Pacific victory  in Lautoka.

After suffering a three-point loss in Super Round back in early March, the Drua made amends to consolidate their place inside the finals-bound top eight.

Winger Taniela Rakuro scored two tries, opening his haul in the first minute after a break by Iosefo Masi, with the match played in scorching heat that didn't deter a big home crowd at Churchill Park.

The Drua lost hooker Mesulame Doge to a yellow card for a high tackle, but Moana were unable to take advantage of the overlap with their opponents, instead collecting three points through the boot of Isaiah Armsttong-Ravula.

The Drua then pushed the score out to a halftime margin of 17-0, with winger Selestino Ravutaumada crossing at the 35-minute mark.

Moana Pasifika opened their account seven minutes into the second stanza through centre Henry Taefu.

When Rakuro scored his second try in the 68th minute, crossing in the corner after a quick ball from the ruck, it looked like the Drua would cruise to victory.

But Moana kept coming, and with tries scored by Sione Havili Talitui and Sama Malolo in the space of four minutes, they were back in the hunt.

It made for a frantic final few minutes, but the Drua's defence stood tall to secure a valuable win. 

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store