Moana Pasifika showed they can be a force even without Test great Ardie Savea as they upset the Fijian Drua in Super Rugby Pacific on Saturday.
Captain Miracle Fai’ilagi crossed for three of Moana’s six tries in a 40-26 victory at Churchill Park in Lautoka as they ended the Drua’s streak of nine successive wins.
Fai’ilagi took the captaincy from fellow flanker Savea, who is skipping this season to play for the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in the Japanese league.
Savea was an inspirational performer in his maiden season for Moana last year, being named the overall player of the competition.
The veteran New Zealand international nearly steered the team comprising players of Pacific heritage to their first playoff berth.
Samoan international Fai’ilagi ensured Savea was not missed in their opening match of the season, producing a bruising display.
His first two tries put the visitors 21-0 ahead inside the first 20 minutes, and his third just after half-time pushed them clear 33-12.
What a start to the 2026 season from @MoanaPasifika_ captain Miracle Faiilagi
Watch every Super Rugby Pacific match live on @skysportnz and @stansportau
#SuperRugbyPacific #SRP30 #DRUvMOA pic.twitter.com/uSngadmz15
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) February 14, 2026
Other early tries for Moana went to back rower Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and winger Tevita Ofa, before substitute Ofa Tauatevalu made the result safe with a try in the closing minutes.
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The Drua’s performance was marred by errors and indiscipline, although they were still able to create four tries.
The home side handed a debut to Virimi Vakatawa, the former Racing 92 outside back who played 32 Tests for France from 2016 to 2022.
Fullback William Havili played his 50th match for Moana, the first player to reach that milestone for the team.
Havili limped off with an apparent leg injury, placing him in doubt for next week’s match against the Hurricanes.
– AFP
Photo: Pita Simpson/Getty Images
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