FIJIAN DRUA EDGE OUT MOANA PASIFIKA IN THRILLER

The Fijian Drua have had the last say in a match which provided 11 tries to edge Moana Pasifika 36-34 on the opening weekend of the Super Rugby Pacific season.

The Drua trailed 19-5 in the first half and did not lead until the 77th minute, when replacement winger Taniela Rakuro scored the try that gave them a thrilling win.

Both teams were physical but also willing to play at pace and run the ball at every opportunity. 

Moana Pasifika gained a slim advantage in the forward contest but the match was eventually decided by hard-running outside backs who traded tries in the second half.

The first try of the match came after only two minutes to Abraham Pole for Moana Pasifika who wheeled around a lineout and crashed over from close range.

When Chris Apoua added a second after a strong surge by Timoci Tavatavanawai, Moana Pasifika had a 12-0 lead after only nine minutes.

The Drua's first try came in the 20th minute to Tevita Ikanivere who burrowed over from close range after strong preliminary work by Jone Koroiduadua, making the score 12-5.

Ikanivere's second try in the 45th minute brought the Drua back into the game at 26-24 and Pole also had a double when his 51st-minute try stretched the lead to 31-24 to Moana Pasifika.

But they could not hold out, and the Drua hit back to edge a thrilling contest.