Moana Pasifika have ended the Fijian Drua’s incredible winning streak at Lautoka’s Churchill Park, starting the season with a 40-26 victory on Saturday. Miracle Faiilagi led the way as Moana’s new captain, crossing for a hat-trick of tries in the statement performance.
Faiilagi completed a first-half double as the visitors raced out to a 28-7 lead, only for Kitione Salawa to reduce the Drua’s deficit just before the break. The Drua showed some real character during the second term, putting themselves in a genuine position to complete the comeback.
Temo Mayanavanua powered through for a try in the 63rd minute, with the Kemu Valetini conversion making the difference just six points. But Moana did enough to hang on for a hard-fought victory in the Battle of the Pacific, with Ofa Tauatevalu scoring late.
Here are some takeaways.
Moana Pasifika make early-season statement in Lautoka
Commentator Greg Clarke spoke about the significance of the Fijian Drua’s record at Churchill Park mere minutes before kick-off. The Fijians haven’t tasted defeat at the Lautoka venue since losing to the Blues in April 2023, winning their last nine in a row.
With a record like that, Drua fans had every reason to feel confident or hopeful ahead of this round one blockbuster. Churchill Park is one of the toughest away venues in Super Rugby, making this a statement result from a new-look Moana outfit.
Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa gave the visitors an early lead with a try in the fourth minute, before skipper Miracle Faiilagi added to Moana’s advantage soon after. It was 14-nil after 10 minutes, and 21-nil midway through the first half, with Faiilagi crossing for a double.
While the Drua outscored Moana two tries to one in the second quarter of the match, the away side had already set the tone. They had controlled the territory battle (59 per cent) even though possession was split 50-50 during the opening 40 minutes.
Faiilagi was impressed in the forward pack, while Patrick Pellegrini steered the team around the park as fly-half. Ngani Laimape, Tevita Ofa and Williams Havili were also prolific at times, during an eye-catching performance that does make you wonder…
Could this Moana team be even better than last season?
It’s only round one, but they very well could be.
Drua show real ‘character’ in defeat
Drua forwards coach Chris Gibbes spoke candidly on the broadcast during the half-time break, with the Drua down 16 points. “We’ve got 40 minutes and that’s going to reveal a lot about where we’re at in terms of our characters.”
Fiji had outscored Moana 12-7 during the second quarter of the contest, even though they briefly went down to 14-players after Mesake Vocevoce was shown a yellow card. But that was only the start of what the Drua needed, searching for what would’ve been a famous comeback.
Ilaisa Droasese and Temo Mayanavanua crossed for one try each as the Drua made it a seven-point ball game with less than 15 to play. Before that in the 60th minute, replacement Isikeli Rabitu had a try disallowed, with Frank Lomani throwing a forward pass to set up the score.
It was undeniable that, during the final 20 minutes in particular, the match’s momentum had swung drastically in the Drua’s favour. Moana weren’t the same point-scoring threat that they were during the first term, as Drua fans dared to dream of a 10th-straight win in Lautoka.
While it wasn’t to be for the home side in the end, let’s focus on the “character” Gibbes referred to during the interval. This team refused to throw in the towel or give up at any point, and that bodes well for the Dura, with plenty of rugby still to play this season.
Miracle Faiilagi embraces captaincy challenge
Ardie Savea was the clear MVP in Super Rugby Pacific last season, with the backrower producing Player of the Match-calibre performances in pretty well every match. With Savea on sabbatical in Japan, the departure of Moana’s captain was always going to be a talking point.
It seems like the start of a new era for Moana, with a dozen international players leaving the club after last season’s unforgettable campaign. But coach Tana Umaga has picked the right man for the captaincy job in 2026, with Miracle Faiilagi appearing more than up to the task.
Faiilagi was noticed by Moana coaches at the World Rugby Pacific Combine in 2022, with the loose forward going on to make 30 appearances for the club. While it’s only round one, the four-Test Samoan international has taken his game to an all-new level in 2026.
Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa crashed over for the opener inside the first five minutes, before Faiilagi helped pile on the points with a quick double. But Moana’s new captain didn’t stop there, flying down the right edge to start the second half, completing a hat-trick with a dive for the corner.
Faiilagi was right up there with the very elite for total carries and defenders beaten in this round one Battle of the Pacific, while also making a difference on the defensive side of the ball. With performances like this, Moana have another inspirational captain who leads by example.
Some good signs from the Drua’s latest marquee recruit
32-Test France international Virimi Vakatawa was a late addition to the Fijian Drua roster for the 2026 season, with the announcing the signing about two weeks out from round one.
Vakatawa enjoyed decorated stints with Racing 92 and on what’s now called the HSBC SVNS Series – without a doubt, Drua fans and rugby supporters across the Pacific would’ve been incredibly excited to see the 33-year-old suit up against Moana.
Drua coach Glen Jackson named Vakatawa at inside centre, ultimately setting up an exciting matchup with former All Black Ngani Laumape. Both players impressed on their Super Rugby debuts for their clubs, including a try assist for Vakatawa.
Vakatawa made a break into Moana’s 22 late in the first half and managed to get an over-the-head offload off to Kitione Salawa, who scored in the 39th minute. It was an important try for the Drua, who had been trailing 28-7 before that five-pointer.
While that was definitely Vakatawa’s highlight, the inside centre did make some impressive runs and a few stops on the defensive side of the ball. There were some good signs from the Drua’s latest signing, even in defeat.