Iliesa Tora

Analysis: Two contrasting scenarios are now in play for the two Pasifika rugby franchises in the Super Rugby Pacific competition, writes liesa Tora.

Spirited fightbacks marked Moana Pasifika and the Fijian Drua's matches in round three of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific competition over the weekend.

The New Zealanders downed Tahiti United in Melbourne to secure the three points

The hosts had to claw their way back into the game twice before securing victory.

It was not the hosts' night with poor lineouts, penalties and a glimpse of greatness come too late.

The Samoan PM says he wants to clear out politics in Lakapi Samoa before he signs a new funding proposal for the Australian government.

Head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga has made just one change to his starting lineup for the Super Rugby Pacific round three home game against the Australian side.

Solomon Kings FC and Vanuatu United FC recorded wins in the opening round of matches for the third round of the OFC Pro League in Melbourne on Sunday.

The former All Blacks captain and Moana Pasifika mentor believes rugby's governing body should be pouring more financial assistance into the two Pacific Island Super Rugby teams.

Having led 1-0 at halftime and 2-1 in the second spell, the Tahitian side could not keep the South Islanders away.

Co-captain Frank Lomani said post-match they could not continue with the good start they made.

Moana Pasifika kicked off the scoring against the Hurricanes but could not keep the momentum up.

Head coach Glen Jackson has made changes to the team to face the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.

The Moana Pasifika head coach has made the bold decision to rest some of his star players who featured in the 40-26 win against the Fijian Drua in Lautoka.

Moana Pasifika head coach Fa'alogo Tana Umaga believes more should be done to keep the island nations involved in the competition.

The Fijian government plans to reopen its consulate in Auckland to assist the Fijian diaspora and harness trade development opportunities in Aotearoa.

Six tries against the Fijian Drua's four meant a total of 10 tries were scored in the game.

Rugby League Samoa says Frank Pritchard will replace Jamie Soward, who resigned last month.

The match will be the second time in Super Rugby history that the two sides will clash in the opening round.

Tahiti United and Bula FC now have five points each on the points table.

Osea Kolinisau's players were chasing back-to-back titles, following their title win in Singapore the previous weekend.

Hekari has a single point after losing four of their five matches so far.

Fiji were three from three in their pool matches.

It was the Solomon Islanders' second win in the OFC Pro League.

The OFC men's champions' league kicks off in Fiji in August.