In Super Rugby Pacific Round Three, both Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua suffer close defeats, marking their third losses of the season.

The New South Wales Waratahs narrowly edge out the Drua 29-24 with a late penalty try at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on Friday night, despite missing star player Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii. Langi Gleeson, who was raised in Fiji, shines for the Waratahs, scoring two tries.

Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika fall to the Otago Highlanders 31-29 at North Harbour Stadium earlier on Friday, despite a strong second-half effort led by captain Ardie Savea.

Moana struggle with execution and missed key opportunities, while the Highlanders capitalise on their chances.

Both the Drua and Moana aim to improve in their upcoming matches despite the frustrating defeats.

With an army of fans willing them on in Auckland and Sydney, neither Moana nor the Drua could overcome their opponents’ defences.

Superstar NRL convert Suaalii is sidelined due to injury, having already missed the season's opening round.

The Waratahs escape with a late penalty try in the final five minutes, awarded by referee Angus Mabey, who sends Drua loose forward Kitione Salawa to the sin bin for collapsing a driving maul.

Backrower Gleeson stands out for the Waratahs, scoring two tries and making several crucial defensive plays in the second half. He also helps contain the Drua's ball carriers near the tryline.

"(This) means everything. It's special to play against the Fijian brothers," Gleeson told Stan Sport. "It's always tough on the field, but afterwards we can have a laugh.

"A special shout-out to the boys that came off the bench. They worked really hard for us. And Drua, it's always hard to play them whether it's their turf or ours."

Determined to counter the Drua's razzle-dazzle style of play, the Waratahs start strong. However, it's a loose ball that breaks the early deadlock, when Drua No. 8 Meli Derenalagi, taking on the captaincy duties after hooker Tevika Ikanivere is substituted, pounces on the ball and hands it to winger Ponipate Loganimasi, who dashes down the left flank for the opening try.

The Waratahs respond, with Gleeson crashing over after receiving a short ball from Jake Gordon.

The Drua then increase their tempo, exploiting gaps in the NSW defence, leading to a try by former Waratah Vuate Karawalevu in the right corner.

While both sides deal with the errors that hinder scoring opportunities, the Waratahs find a breakthrough when Gordon’s well-placed kick finds Gleeson to score his second try.

Drua flyhalf Caleb Muntz fails to clean up the kick due to a tackle by Max Jorgensen. The Waratahs lead 17-12 at halftime.

NSW Waratahs celebrate Langi Gleeson's try. Photo/StanSport screenshot

Muntz gets substituted shortly after, with young star Isaia Armstrong-Ravula stepping in to partner with replacement halfback Peni Matawalu for Simione Kuruvoli. Armstrong-Ravula's entry lifts the Drua - he should have started at No.10.

The Waratahs return from the break and extend their lead when hooker Dave Porecki finishes a rolling maul to score, 22-12.

Refusing to back down, the Drua, spurred by their devoted fans, launches a wave of attacks, even sending Waratahs' lock Miles Amatosero to the sin bin for a professional foul.

Loganimasi scores his second try of the night, followed by Mesulame Dolotoko, who replaces Ikanivere, crossing for a try to regain the lead for the Drua.

But a penalty try delivers a harsh blow to the Fijians with just three minutes left in the match.

The Drua has a chance to snatch victory, but a last-minute fumble costs them the opportunity.

They will return home to regroup as they host the Waikato Chiefs in Lautoka next Saturday.

Moana Pasifika v Otago Highlanders

Moana Pasifika laments missed opportunities and poor execution against the Highlanders - trailing 10-31 in the first half.

With key players Folau Fakatava and Finn Hurley absent, alongside two playmakers, the men from the South Island manage to secure the win.

Despite a second-half fightback led by captain Savea, who dominates the breakdown with turnovers, Moana struggle to breach the Highlanders' defence.

Savea scores a try after winning a high ball and sprinting 45 metres to the tryline, marking his first at Moana’s new home in North Harbour.

Highlanders’ halfback Nathan Hastie, replacing Fakatava, carries a pivotal role, scoring a try in the second minute and showing a strong kicking game that keeps Moana pinned deep in their territory. Hastie also helps set up two more tries for the visitors.

The hosts fight back when Willy Havili levels the scores after a well-executed backline play.

Moana Pasifika winger Solomon Alaimalo tries to get away from the Highlanders' defence. Photo/photosport

However, the Highlanders pile on three unanswered tries from Tanielu Tele’a, Mitch Dunshea, and Caleb Tangitau, extending their lead to 21 points.

Moana respond and are rewarded when Semisi Ta’eito scores, sending the home fans into a frenzy, as the team reduce the deficit to just two points with five minutes remaining.

But the Highlanders maintain possession and manage to run down the clock, securing the win.

Moana Pasifika will host the Wellington Hurricanes next Saturday afternoon.

Watch highlights of the Fijiana Drua Women and the NSW Waratahs Women.

Other matches this weekend: Saturday - Waikato Chiefs host the A.C.T Brumbies on Saturday afternoon, Auckland Blues travel to Wellington to face the Hurricanes at 7.05pm local time, and an Australian derby sees the Western Force take on the Melbourne Rebels in Perth from 6.35pm local time.

In the Super Rugby women's match on Friday, the Fijiana Drua beat the NSW Waratahs Women 23-17 at Allianz Stadium in Sydney. But it was the record-breaking start by the visitors, scoring a try after just eight seconds, thanks to centre Vitalina Naikore.

On Saturday, the Western Force Women will host the Brumbies in Perth at 4.05pm local time.