Moana Pasifika Ardie Savea soring a disallowed try. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
Moana has prevailed in battle of Pacific, overpowering the Fijian Drua for a bonus point victory which keeps them in the hunt for a play off berth.
In a typically pulsating Pasifika rugby showcase, which saw one of the most spectacular non-tries you'll see, the home side managed to stifle the Fijians' flair enough for a 32-15 win.
It took more than 20 minutes for the first side to crack, and it would be the Drua dropping off tackles on Lalomilo Lalomilo as he surged into the 22, turning it inside to his centre partner Danny Toala to score the opening try.
Toala almost went back to back, only a desperation tackle by Etonia Waqa preventing him from scoring, though they didn't have to wait long for their second, Miracle Fai'ilagi barging his way over to put his side 10-0 ahead, Jackson Garden-Bachop spraying both shots at goal.
With halftime looming, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa muscled over from close range, Moana taking a 17-point advantage into the sheds.
Just five minutes after the break Moana struck again, Fai'ilagi again from just a few metres out showcasing his power, but the Drua would reply rapidly courtesy of super sub Tevita Ikanivere, who burst through a gap and sprinted 20 metres to go in under the sticks.
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula reduced the gap to 12, before skipper Ardie Savea had one of the great individual tries scrubbed due to a slight knock on earlier in the play.
But it would be big brother Julian to extend the advantage, 'the bus' finding himself in space on the left flank and he would waltz over.
The Drua responded from the kick-off, a turnover putting Ponipate Longanimasi away and he was too quick for the cover.
Despite several chances to bring themselves back within one try, the Drua couldn't convert their opportunities, and Moana would make them pay late as Tevita Ofa snatched an intercept on halfway, and went fifty to seal a special result for the home team.
Catch up on all the action with RNZ's live blog:
Team lists
Moana Pasifika: 1. Tito Tuipulotu, 2. Millennium Sanerivi, 3. Feleti Sae-Ta'ufo'ou, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Samuel Slade, 6. Miracle Faiilagi, 7. Ardie Savea (c), 8. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, 9. Jonathan Taumateine, 10. Jackson Garden-Bachop, 11. Fine Inisi, 12. Danny Toala, 13. Lalomilo Lalomilo, 14. Tevita Ofa, 15. William Havili
Bench: 16. Tomasi Maka, 17. Monu Moli, 18. Chris Apoua, 19. Allan Craig, 20. Sione Havili Talitui, 21. Melani Matavao, 22. Patrick Pellegrini, 23. Julian Savea
Fijian Drua: 1. Peni Ravai, 2. Mesulame Dolokoto (c), 3. Samu Tawake, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Leone Rotuisolia, 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Motikiai Murray, 8. Kitione Salawa, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Ponipate Longanimasi, 12. Isikeli Rabitu, 13. Inia Tabuavou, 14. Taniela Rakuro, 15. Vuate Karawalevu
Bench: 16. Tevita Ikanivere, 17. Meli Tuni, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Elia Canakaivata, 21. Leone Nawai, 22. Kemu Valetini, 23. Selestino Ravutaumada
