Fijian Drua have taken the spoils in the battle between Super Rugby's newest sides, defeating Moana Pasifika 34-19 at Sydney's CommBank Stadium.
As the two Pacific sides met for the first time, it was the Drua that emerged victorious to take their second victory in Super Rugby Pacific, denying Moana Pasifika the chance to do the same.
In a rapid start to proceedings Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta and Vinya Habosi both scored inside the opening 10 minutes of the match, before Solomone Funaki hit back for Moana Pasifika.
Apisalome Vota and Abraham Pole traded tries before the break, as the Drua took a 24-12 advantage into halftime.
Moana Pasifika closed the gap to seven points to start the second half, courtesy of Timoci Tavatavanawai, before the Drua rallied late in the second half, as a penalty to Teti Tela, and a try to Apisalome Vota ended any chance of a comeback victory for the visitors.
Victory for the Drua boosts their chances of avoiding Super Rugby Pacific's wooden spoon in their maiden campaign, with 11 points from their first 12 matches, with two victories.
Moana Pasifika meanwhile remain bottom of the table with just one win from 11, with a make-up clash against Western Force still to come, after it was postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak.
Fijian Drua 34 (Cirikidaveta, Habosi, Vota 2 tries; Tela 4 conversions; Tela 2 penalties)
Moana Pasifika 19 (Funaki, Pole Tavatavanawai tries; McClutchie, Havili conversions)
