Ikanivere Leads By Example In Drua’s Comeback Win
To come from behind and beat Moana Pasifika 36-34 on fulltime and on their home ground, is something special, says Swire Shipping Fijian Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere.
The emotional hooker led by example by scoring two tries during the crucial stages of the match. Also scoring two tries was debutant centre Iosefo Masi while rookie winger Taniela Rakuro scored the winning try in their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific opener.
Ikanivere said while trailing 26-19 at halftime they talked about strengthening their defence and not to allow the big Moana Pasifika players through.“It was like allowing them (Moana Pasifika) to go through the front door,” he said.
The hosts sent their fans at the Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand, into a frenzy with two quick tries to props Abraham Pole and Chris Apoua for a 12-0 lead as captain, Christian Lealiifano managed to land one conversion.
The Drua after several forward drives featuring Emosi Tuqiri and Jone Koroiduadua scored their first try through Ikanivere with Teti Tela missing the conversion.
Moana Pasifika increased their lead to 19-5 with a try to flanker Mike Curry and in the 26th minute they lost lock Sam Slade who was sent to the sin bin.
The Drua fought back with flanker Joseva Tamani scoring the second try after receiving a pass from Ikanivere with Tela’s conversion making it 19-12.
Then Masi dotted down his first try after fending off several tacklers and Tela converted to make it 19-19.Right on halftime.
Drua lost the ball forward and Danny Toela ran through to score a try with the conversion going over for a 26-19 lead.
The Drua came out firing in the second spell with Jone Tiko replacing Tuqiri.
In the 44th minute Ikanivere dummied his way through two Moana Pasifika players and easily fended off Levi Aumua to score in the corner, with the conversion going wide.
Trailing 26-24, Pole scored his second try for Moana Pasifika to extend their lead to 31-24 before Drua replied through Masi’s second try with Caleb Muntz levelling the scores 31-31 with his conversion.
With less than 10 minutes to go, Lealiifano kicked over a penalty for a 34-31 lead.
Masi was replaced with Rakuro going to the wing while Selesitino Ravutaumada moved back to fullback and Ilaisa Droasese played at centre. In a counter attack, Ravutaumada created the space for Rakuro to score the winning try.
Story By: Leone Cabeanatabua
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
