Pasifika pride on full display in Christchurch despite tough Super Round results

Pacific spirit was on full display in Christchurch even if the results did not fall their way.

Both Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua brought energy, skill and pride to Super Round but were left to reflect on what might have been after losses that slipped away in the second half.

For Moana Pasifika, there was plenty to build on despite a 27-17 loss to the Highlanders.

In a week shaped by off-field challenges, the side looked tight and connected. They led the break and played some of their best rugby of the season, only to be overrun late as the Highlanders piled on 17 unanswered points.

Captain Miracle Faiilagi told Sky Sport the squad is stronger for what they have faced.

“As the captain, just doing my role inside the group… making the boys come in tight and we can’t control what we can’t control, so we’re focusing on the games ahead.”

Moana played with freedom and belief. Even with a yellow card to forward Semisi Paea in the first half, they created one of the standout moments of the match.

Young winger Israel Leota rose high above the to collect a pinpoint cross-kick from William Havili, finishing brilliantly in the corner.

They were not done there. With 15 minutes to play, halfback Augustine Pulu produced a moment of pure bursting onto the ball, twisting through contact and flipping his way over the line to keep Moana in the fight.

Solomon Alaimalo of Moana Pasifika. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

But small moments proved costly after the break. A penalty from Cam Millar and a close-range try to Angus Ta’avao helped swing momentum, and Moana could not wrestle it back.

Still, the performance showed a team growing in belief with a big home clash against the Auckland Blues next on the horizon.

Drua vs Chiefs

For the Fijian Drua, it was a similar story of promise undone by key moments.

They started fast against the Chiefs, with prop Mesake Doge crasHing over inside the opening to set the tone.

But discipline issues and errors opened the door and a sharp Chiefs side made them pay in a 42-22 loss.

One turning point came just before the break. Under pressure in his own in-goal, fullback Ilaisa Droasese tried to clear a kick but instead handed possession to Chiefs prop Jared Proffit, who grounded the ball.

From there, the Chiefs took control, with Cortez Ratima adding another try soon after to stretch the lead to 18 points.

Despite the defeat, Drua captain Temo Mayanavanua found positives especially in the new faces stepping up.

“Our debutant Maika [Tuitubou] was unreal today,” Mayanavanua told Sky Sport. “We’re just gutted we couldn’t get the result for him.”

The Drua return home where they will look to turn that effort into results in front of their fans when they host the Highlanders at Electrical Govind Park, in Ba next week.

The wins did not come this time but the pride, passion and potential of Pasifika rugby were clear for all to see during the Super Round in Christchurch

For more information on the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Championship, click here.