Moana Pasifika

A total of seven tries was scored by the Drua with inform center Iosefo Masi bagging a hat-trick.

However the side needed a bonus point win as they chase a quarterfinal spot.

The game went right down to the wire with a crucial conversation that could have seen Moana win the match.

Captain Meli Derenalagi says it was a bruising encounter.

“It was a brutal match. We knew Moana Pasifika was going to be tough and we had to fight until the last minute. Hats off to the boys for holding on and we have a lot of weaknesses to work on in the next game.”

Aumua, who has been the side’s best player this season has maternal links to Fiji.

The 28-year-old is from Naveicovatu in Tailevu on the main island of Viti Levu.

Aumua who frequently visits his family in the village said he cannot wait to play the Drua at home.

“Really excited we have been waiting since round 1 to play the Drua again and it’s not easy to come here and play the Drua in front of their home crowd, should be a good game.”

The franchise on Monday afternoon confirmed media reports that Mauger had decided to leave after being at the helm for the past two years.

Mauger will finish at the end of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, a statement from the Auckland-based franchise said. There are two games to go.

RNZ Pacific reprots he had initially signed his contract for three years in 2022.

Mauger had overseen a dismal season in which they have lost all 12 of their games so far this season.

Mauger and his team believed they were on the brink of a famous victory over the Blues at Eden Park last night when leading by six points with the fulltime siren having sounded but a penalty try awarded to the home side due to a collapsed scrum with two Moana forwards in the bin put paid to that.

It meant Moana Pasifika, beaten by the barest of margins 31-30, couldn’t replicate the Fijian Drua’s triumph over the Hurricanes in Suva earlier when the home side got up 27-24 over the shell-shocked visitors.

This year the Drua have already played two home matches and won both, and they are due to play two more at home in the next month.

Moana Pasifika, on the other hand, had their first-ever local game on April 14 in Apia, Samoa, losing 40-28 to the Queensland Reds.

They are based this year at Auckland's Mt Smart Stadium.

A spokesperson for Moana Pasifika on asked if they were likely to more home games said: "We definitely would like to have more games in 2024 in our home nations and fixtures are still to be scheduled."

In a ten-try thriller, the visitors came out on top after 80 minutes of high-intensity rugby in front of more than 15,000 home supporters in the much-anticipated Super Rugby clash, as the hosts turned the heat on until the final whistle.

PMN News reports the result means the Reds ended their three-game losing streak, while Moana Pasifika will have to continue to seek their inaugural win in the 2023 season.

​Moana Pasifika coach Aaron Mauger said he was happy with the way the side played despite the loss.

"They showed the fans that they can be among the big boys.

However for young loose forward Miracle Fai’ilagi, the trip home is more than just a game for him.

Having been signed by Moana Pasifka straight out of Samoa at the start of the year, the youngster from Vailele has gone on to impress on the Super Rugby stage.

Fai’ilagi has been a key asset in the team impressing not only rugby pundits but the coaching staff of Moana Pasifika.

“We had ten boys from Lakapi Samoa (Samoa Rugby Union) come and train with us,” says Mauger.

Head coach Aaron Mauger is counting on the noise of the partisan crowd to get his players over the line in a historic match, the first Moana Pasiifka has played in any of its base countries.

RNZ Pacific reports Mauger hopes that home advantage will give his warriors their first win of the season.

"It has been exciting. The fans are excited. The players are excited," he told RNZ Pacific.

"We have had a good week [in Apia] and the players are focused on the job at hand."

A welcoming reception was hosted for the team by Samoa's Minister of Tourism, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster at the STA Fale last night..

The team will host its first ever match in Samoa against the Queensland Reds on 14 April at Apia Park.

"I’m sure there’s plenty of excitement building in Samoa for the game on Friday," said Head Coach Aaron Mauger.

"The team is very excited to play in Samoa, especially our local players who will be able to introduce the team to our aiga in Samoa.

With an early penalty by Mounga and a try to hooker Codie Taylor, the home team looked to be cruising. However, Moana found their way back into the game with in-form centre Levi Aumua crossing for two tries, giving them a 14-10 lead. 

Tagata Pasifika reports Taylor secured another try for the Crusaders pushing out their lead to 17-14. 

But it didn’t last long for the home team, as Timoci Tamatamanawai scored in the corner just before half time, edging the visitors ahead. The try was converted by Lincoln McClutchie, giving Moana a 21-17 lead at the break.