Moana Pasifika showed they can be a force even without test great Ardie Savea as they beat Fijian Drua 40-26 in a Super Rugby upset on Saturday.
Captain Miracle Fai'ilagi crossed for three of Moana's six tries at Churchill Park in Lautoka as they ended the Drua's streak of nine successive wins.
.@moanapasifika claim their first ever W at Churchill Park 🤩
Watch every Super Rugby Pacific match live on @skysportnz and @stansportau 📺#SuperRugbyPacific #SRP30 #DRUvMOA pic.twitter.com/7cPqtwAyLA
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) February 14, 2026
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Fai'ilagi took the captaincy from fellow flanker Savea, who is skipping this season to play for the Kobelco Kobe Steelers in the Japanese league.
Savea was an inspirational performer in his maiden season for Moana last year, being named the overall player of the competition.
The veteran New Zealand international nearly steered the team comprising players of Pacific heritage to their first play-off berth.
Samoan international Fai'ilagi ensured Savea was not missed in their opening math of the season, producing a bruising display.
What a start to the 2026 season from @MoanaPasifika_ captain Miracle Faiilagi 🥵
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) February 14, 2026
Watch every Super Rugby Pacific match live on @skysportnz and @stansportau 📺#SuperRugbyPacific #SRP30 #DRUvMOA pic.twitter.com/uSngadmz15
His first two tries put the visitors 21-0 ahead inside the first 20 minutes, and his third just after halftime pushed them clear 33-12.
Other early tries for Moana went to back-rower Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa and winger Tevita Ofa, before substitute Ofa Tauatevalu made the result safe with a try in the closing minutes.
The Drua's performance was marred by errors and indiscipline, although they were still able to create four tires.
The home side handed a debut to Virimi Vakatawa, the former Racing 92 outside back who played 32 tests for France from 2016 to 2022.
Fullback William Havili played his 50th match for Moana, the first player to reach that milestone for the team.
Havili limped off with an apparent leg injury, placing him in doubt for next week's match against the Hurricanes.