Fijian Drua
47
Match Complete
Moana Pasifika
46
| 79 |  | S. Moli | ||
| 67 |  | C. Leali'ifano | ||
| 66 | | C. Leali'ifano | ||
| 60 | | C. Leali'ifano | ||
| 58 | | A. Pole | ||
| F. Lomani | | 55 | ||
| I. Masi | | 55 | ||
| F. Lomani | | 53 | ||
| I. Masi | | 52 | ||
| F. Lomani | | 45 | ||
| I. Droasese | | 44 | ||
| 41 |  | C. Leali'ifano | ||
| 33 | | L. Aumua | ||
| E. Sau | | 31 | ||
| 28 | | C. Leali'ifano | ||
| 27 | | W. Havili | ||
| 23 | | E. Lindenmuth | ||
| F. Lomani | | 17 | ||
| I. Droasese | | 15 | ||
| F. Lomani | | 13 | ||
| I. Masi | | 12 | ||
| F. Lomani | | 9 | ||
| R. M. Derenalagi | | 8 | ||
| 5 | | C. Leali'ifano | ||
| 4 | | W. Havili |
| 7 | Tries | 7 | ||
| 6 | Conversions | 4 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Fiji coach Mick Byrne has brought back halves Frank Lomani and Tela Tela for their must-win clash against the winless Moana Pasifika at Churchill Park on Saturday afternoon. Join The Roar for live scores from 12.05pm AEST.
The duo missed their clash against the Waratahs, where a poor final 20 minutes saw them lose 32-18. They replace Peni Matawalu and Caleb Muntz.
Otherwise the Drua have named a strong side, with Meli Derenalagi captaining the side and well supported by Tevita Ikanivere.
Moana Pasifikia, whose coach Aaron Mauger will stand down at season’s end after their winless season to date, has welcomed back Michael Curry and Mike McKee after their late withdrawals last week.
Former Reds and Force centre Henry Taefu meanwhile starts at inside centre alongside Crusaders-bound Levi Aumua.
Game information
Venue: Churchill Park, Lautoka
Kickoff: 12.05pm AEST
Streaming: Stan Sport
Betting: Fijian Drua &1.17 Moana Pasifika $5 – odds via PlayUp
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.
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.
Referee: Jordan Way
ThugbyFan
Roar Guru
Good game where solid tackles are an option. Only caught the last 10 minutes but 7 tries each make it a game to watch the replay with the popcorn out and cold beer. Bad luck to Moana Pasifika, their 1st win was staring them in the face and sadly C.Leali'ifano's kick at full time was a wobbly one. Damn, I was cheering for that kick to go over the dot, even if it would have killed my SRP tip. :silly: :rugby:
WithTheDawn
Roar Rookie
Both teams look like they lost. Fiji will have to shake this off for next week, that’s a winner takes all spot in the finals up for grabs.
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Heartbreaking for MP
WithTheDawn
Roar Rookie
They definitely care more about getting what few rugby fans remain in this country to pay for Stan unfortunately. To be fair I think most people either care about rugby and have Stan or don’t care and wouldn’t watch on FTA anyway. I don’t think there are too many in the middle, other than perhaps a few come the internationals.
Pinetree
Roar Rookie
MP so close...fun game to watch with tries galore, but the defence was a bit optional :silly:
WithTheDawn
Roar Rookie
Wow what a finish. I thought Moana had it there, but a missed conversion from a handy position prolongs their misery and keeps the Drua alive in this comp. Crazy game with Fiji having the win and the bonus point at one stage before Moana came storming back at the end, very unlike them in most games this year. Entertaining stuff, but I feel bad for Moana.
Lux Interior
Roar Rookie
This would've been a good day for 9 to broadcast every game fta. Excitement sides MP and FD, five strongest title contenders all playing. And the Tahs who some people seem to like watching also.
WithTheDawn
Roar Rookie
Hell of an attacking game. The losing team may end up on 50 points…
WithTheDawn
Roar Rookie
Yep, super entertaining so far :thumbup:
WithTheDawn
Roar Rookie
The start of a good lineup of sport today. Hoping this one lives up to expectations in terms of entertainment at the very least. Should be a fun one.