The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have defeated the Highlanders 24-14 in Ba, in round 12 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.
The Fijian Drua got off to a shaky start as the Highlanders continuously applied pressure and played most of the first eight minutes inside the Drua’s territory.
The Drua’s first try came from an intercept inside their own 22-metre line, which led to Virimi Vakatawa crossing over to put the Drua ahead by seven points.
The Highlanders responded through a try to Jonah Lowe to level the scores at 7-all.
The Fijian Drua kept pushing forward as they hunted for their second win in Ba, and out of the blue, Isikeli Rabitu crossed over to put the Drua ahead.
Highlanders flanker Veveni Lasaqa crossed over in the 36th minute to put the visitors ahead 14-12 at halftime.
The Drua came back firing in the second half, with Rabitu grabbing his second try to put them back in the lead.
Elia Canakaivata scored in his 50th match to extend their lead to 24-14.
The Highlanders continued to apply pressure, but the Drua’s defence held strong in the end.
The Drua are on a bye next week and will host the Waratahs at HFC Bank Stadium on the 16th of this month.
Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika will face the Blues at 7.05pm tonight, while the Reds will play the Brumbies later at 9.35pm.
Fijian Drua vs Highlanders
Updates:
1st half Kick off: Highlanders
1' Highlanders putting the pressure on the Fijian Drua. They have a line-out inside Drua's territory. DRU 0-0 HIGH
6' Highlanders going close to the try line. Drua's defence holding. DRU 0-0 HIGH
8' Highlanders putting pressure on the Drua. DRU 0-0 HIGH
9' Try to Drua. Great intercept from Frank Lomani and the Drua takes it wide with Virimi Vakatawa crossing the try line. DRU 7-0 HIGH
14' Try to Highlanders. Jonah Lowe. DRU 7-7 HIGH
20' Drua playing much of the first half inside their territory. Pressure from Highlanders building up. DRU 7-7 HIGH
24' Try to Drua. Isikeli Rabitu. DRU 12-7 HIGH
29' Penalty to Drua. Great defence from the boys in blue. DRU 12-7 HIGH
36' Try to Highlanders. Veveni Lasaqa. DRU 12-14 HIGH
HT: DRU 12-14 HIGHLANDERS
2nd half:
Kick off: Fijian Drua
43' Try to Drua. Drua on attack and great speed and finishing from Isikeli Rabitu. DRU 17-14 HIGH
47' Try to Drua. Elia Canakaivata. DRU 24-14 HIGH
50' Great defence from the Drua players. Highlanders dropped the ball, Drua gets a scrum. DRU 24-12 HIGH
56' Drua's defence being tested time and time again but they held on and prevent Highlanders from getting a try. DRU 24-14 HIGH
61' Yellow card, Isikeli Rabitu. DRU 24-14 HIGH
67' Highlanders hunting for a try to close the gap but the Drua's defence held on strong. DRU 24-14 HIGH
71' Drua gets a lineout inside the Highlanders 22m line. DRU 24-14 HIGH
