Moana Pasifika have started life without Ardie Savea with a gutsy 40-26 win over the Fijian Drua in Lautoka.
Back-rower Miracle Faiilagi was the difference maker, crossing for a hat-trick as they raced out to a 33-12 lead.
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The Drua rallied late at their spiritual home, but their Pacific rivals held on for their first win at Churchill Park.
The visitors were on fire early on as their damaging back-rowers showed little sign of missing Savea, who is on sabbatical in Japan.
Faiilagi, who replaced Savea as skipper, crossed for an early double as they raced out to a 21-0 lead after just 17 minutes.
He was joined in the dominance by Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, backing up his excellent debut season with the opener.
The Drua tried to work their way back into the contest and eventually found first points through centre Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.
However, they were instantly on the defensive once again, with Mesake Vocevoce sent to the bin for a professional foul, instantly tacking Jonathan Tamateine after a five-metre scrum ended in a Moana Pasifika penalty.
Tevita Ofa made them pay shortly afterwards for a 28-7 lead.
New Drua recruit Virimi Vakatawa reduced the margin right on half-time, breaking clear and throwing the moon ball over his head for Kitione Salawa to cross.
Faiilagi’s hat-trick shortly after the break helped the visitors restore the lead, only to be answered by Ilaisa Droasese’s five-pointer, kick-starting the hosts’ momentum.
William Havili almost snatched an intercept for an easy try but couldn’t hang on as Moana Pasifika sought to hold off a charging Drua outfit.
Isikeli Rabitu appeared to score for the hosts; however, the TMO ruled that Frank Lomani’s pass went forward as the replacement broke through the line.
A 50-22 shortly put them back on the attack, with co-captain Temo Mayanavanua crashing over to bring the margin to a converted try.
In the end, ill-discipline cost the Drua as they age way costly penalties.
They gave away five in a seven-minute period, and while Patrick Pellegrini couldn’t nail the kick at goal, it allowed the visitors to park inside the 22 heading into the final minutes.
Shortly afterwards, Ofa Tauatevalu sealed the win with three minutes to go, silencing the crowd.
