Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Watch: Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika lay down spine-tingling pre-match challenges

(Photos / Twitter)

Super Rugby opened a new chapter in its history in Sydney on Saturday when the competition’s first two Pacific franchises faced off for the first time ever.

ADVERTISEMENT

The all-Pacific clash between the Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika was a special one that saw the Drua run out 34-19 winners in an entertaining spectacle in Parramatta.

Arguably the highlight of the day, though, were the pre-match cultural challenges laid down by each team before kick-off.

Video Spacer

Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 13

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      Video Spacer

      Aotearoa Rugby Pod | Episode 13

      Led by their respective captains Meli Derenalagi and Sekope Kepu, both teams opened proceedings in spine-tingling fashion, with Moana Pasifika performing their first pre-match ritual since becoming a Super Rugby Pacific franchise.

      It was the first time Moana Pasifika performed a pre-match ritual since becoming a Super Rugby Pacific franchise.

      While they had a pre-match performance against the Maori All Blacks in their first-ever match in existence two years ago, what they produced against the Drua was distinctly different.

      Although he was on the losing side of the ledger, Kepu told Stan Sport following the match the he was proud to be part of the occasion.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      “Today was a special day, a historic day Pacific Island people, for Polynesian people,” he said.

      “Obviously it’s a disappointing result for us. A couple of the early tries, the bounce of the ball can be quite cruel sometimes, but that’s Fijian style rugby, pouncing on every opportunity you get.”

      As a result of the win, the Drua have moved to within three points of the 10th-placed Western Force, while Moana Pasifika remain rooted to the bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific table.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo vs Kubota Spears | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 Final | Full Match Replay

      Saitama Wild Knights vs Kobe Steelers | Japan Rugby League One 2024/25 Bronze Final | Full Match Replay

      Boks Office | Episode 42 | Investec Champions Cup Final Review

      Spain's Incredible Rugby Sevens Journey to the World Championship Final | HSBC SVNS Embedded | Episode 14

      Australia vs USA | Pacific Four Series 2025 | Full Match Replay

      New Zealand vs Canada | Pacific Four Series 2025 | Full Match Replay

      South Africa vs New Zealand | The Rugby Championship U20's | Full Match Replay

      The Game that Made Jonah Lomu

      Trending on RugbyPass

      Comments

      0 Comments
      Be the first to comment...

      Join free and tell us what you really think!

      Sign up for free
      ADVERTISEMENT

      Latest Features

      Comments on RugbyPass

      LONG READ
      LONG READ Why the Gallagher Premiership is setting the gold standard in club rugby Why the Gallagher Premiership is setting the gold standard in club rugby
      Search