Swire Shipping’s Fijian Drua kept their hopes alive for the Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal with a hard-fought 24-17 victory over Moana Pasifika at Churchill Park yesterday.
Nadroga winger Taniela Rakuro shone brightly, scoring two tries for the Drua, while Isaiah Ravula’s accurate kicking earned them nine crucial points, securing the home side’s triumph.
Despite the scorching sun in Lautoka, both Drua and Moana fans turned out in force, passionately cheering on their respective teams.
Rakuro, awarded the match’s MVP, humbly attributed his success to God.
“I did not expect to receive man of the match award, but it was God’s plan for me.
“It was God that gave me the strength and also my teammates, it was all teamwork,” Rakuro said.
Rakuro’s return to the Drua lineup after his last appearance against the Melbourne Rebels in round 7 at AAMI Park was triumphant, and he expressed gratitude to the team management for their faith in him.
“Good to be back and I thank the team management for having faith in me.”
Ravula made a significant contribution to the Mick Byrne coached-side in the first half, scoring seven points by converting two conversions and kicking a penalty. Taniela Rakuro scored the first try of the match within the first 90 seconds, with an assist from Iosefo Masi.
Winger Selestino Ravutaumada scored their second try just minutes before half-time.
Despite being a man down, as Mesake Doge was sin-binned for foul play, Moana Pasifika couldn’t breach Drua’s try line.
However, they rallied in the second half, with Rakuro’s second try proving pivotal, converted by Ravula.
Moana managed to score three quick tries through Henry Taefu, Captain Sione Havili-Talitui, and Sama Malolo, with Christian Leali’ifano successful with one conversion.
Drua head coach Mick Byrne commended the team’s effort.
“Full credit to the boys for regrouping from our loss last week and coming back with a win.
“We have to accept the fact we had a win today(yesterday) and we need to enjoy it,” Byrne said.
Moana Pasifika head coach Tuna Umaga said; “We gave away a lot of opportunities to Drua in the first half, we had our chances, and we didn’t utilise it,” Umaga said.
