'Disappointing': Fijian captain says poor execution let them down in game two

It was another painful weekend for the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika in round two of the Super Rugby Pacific competition.

Both teams, eager to rebound from narrow defeats against the Western Force and ACT Brumbies a week earlier, fell short again - this time against the Queensland Reds and Wellington Hurricanes.

In Hawke’s Bay, the Hurricanes held off a dramatic late surge from the Drua to secure a 38-34 victory.

With one last chance to snatch victory, the Drua put together several phases in a desperate attempt to find a way through. But the Hurricanes’ defence held firm in the warm Napier afternoon.

The Fijians will rue a critical blunder at kickoff after reclaiming the lead, only to lose it again.

Hurricanes’ playmaker Harry Godfrey crossed over for the match-winner in the 71st minute.

After a four-point defeat to the Brumbies in Suva in round one, Drua captain Frank Lomani was left disappointed again.

“We brought physicality, but it was disappointing that we couldn’t finish the game,” he told Stan Sports.

“We had them in the last minute, but just our execution … the Hurricanes have been a quality side for a number of years and small moments like that, they take the opportunity, so we’ve got to be better,” the Fijian halfback said.

Moana Pasifika v Queensland Reds

As for Moana, they are left searching for answers after a challenging start to their match against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on Friday night.

On wet turf at Suncorp Stadium, the visitors eventually lost 56-36(eight tries to five).

Moana struggled to contain the advancing Reds, who quickly took a comfortable lead.

Trailing 21-0, Moana managed to fight back with a try from captain Ardie Savea as the Reds’ discipline crumbled, resulting in three yellow cards.

Despite conceding early tries, Moana showed resilience. Savea led the charge, showcasing his skills and proving why he had recently signed with the Auckland-based team.

Moana’s intensity increased as they tried to mount a comeback, with Savea and winger Kyren Taumoefolau threatening on each attack.

Moana Pasifika captain Ardie Savea tries to get away from the Queensland Reds' defence in Brisbane on Friday. The Australians won 56-36. Photo/Dave Hunt

Savea scored after a quick tap following Hunter Paisami's yellow card, which narrowed the gap to 21-5.

But the Reds responded swiftly, ending the first half 21-8.

Savea finished the first half among the top five for carries and made the second-most tackles (six) of any visiting player, helping to swing momentum in Moana’s favour midway through the opening period.

After halftime, Moana returned with renewed energy, and their hard work was rewarded when Taumoefolau connected well with Willy Havili to score.

The performances of the Taumoefolau, Havili, and the forwards became highlights of the night in Brisbane.

Moana began to control the game, showcasing flashes of brilliance similar to those seen in their match against the Western Force in Perth the previous weekend. But they could not contain the hosts.

Savea acknowledged the performance of the Reds: “The Reds’ defence and grit was a testament to them," the former All Black said.

Reds’ halfback Tate McDermott's leadership on the field shone through as he navigated his team's strategies even after three yellow cards.

Looking ahead, both teams will reflect and regroup.

For the Drua, it’s back to the drawing board to find more effective ways to showcase their talent and strategies.

Hurricanes' players celebrate a try against the Fijian Drua in Napier on Saturday. Photo/Rugby Addict

Moana Pasifika will learn from these lessons as they prepare for upcoming challenges, determined to demonstrate their growth and toughness.

Moana will host the Otago Highlanders on Friday at North Harbour Stadium from 7.05pm (NZ time), while the Drua will travel to Sydney to face the NSW Waratahs on Friday at 9.35pm.

In other round two results, the Waikato Chiefs proved too strong for the Canterbury Crusaders, winning in Hamilton, 49-24. The Otago Highlanders stunned defending champions Auckland Blues, handing them their second loss in the competition in Dunedin with a historic 29-21 victory. On Saturday, the Australian derby in Canberra saw the Western Force beat the Brumbies 45-42.

In round three, the Chiefs will host the Brumbies on Saturday at 4.35pm. Blues head to Wellington to take on the Hurricanes on Saturday at 7.05pm. Force and Reds face off in Perth on Saturday at 9.35pm.