Fijian Drua beat Force 24-22 in Lautoka thriller

Fijian Drua 24-22 Western Force, Lautoka

The Fijian Drua kept their unbeaten home record against the Western Force intact with a dramatic 24-22 victory in Lautoka, spoiling Zac Lomax’s professional rugby union debut in the process.

In a tense Super Rugby Pacific contest, the Force fought back strongly in the second half and gave themselves a chance to steal the result at the death, but Ben Donaldson’s late long-range penalty attempt missed and the Drua held on for an important home win.

The result was a major boost for the Drua after a difficult run, while the Force were left with a damaging loss in their push for a finals place.

Force Start Well But Drua Recover

The Force made the brighter start and struck first in the 10th minute through Misinale Epenisa after the Drua had already been put under pressure in the opening stages. Donaldson added the conversion and the visitors moved into a 7-0 lead.

The Drua responded well and gradually took control of the first half. Their first try came through Haereiti Hetet, who finished from close range after pressure near the Force line. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula converted to level the scores.

Armstrong-Ravula then added a try of his own in the 28th minute as the Drua continued to build momentum. Fullback Isikeli Rabitu crossed before halftime after slick handling created the opening, and the home side went into the break with a strong 19-7 lead.

Force Fight Back After Halftime

The Western Force returned with far more intent in the second half and reduced the deficit in the 47th minute. Dylan Pietsch finished a flowing move out wide, although the conversion was missed.

The visitors kept pressing and moved to within two points when captain Jeremy Williams powered over in the 58th minute. Again, the conversion was missed, leaving the Force trailing 19-17.

Around that stage Zac Lomax made his long-awaited debut, coming off the bench and quickly looking comfortable in open play. He carried with confidence, made line breaks and added energy to the Force backline as they chased the game.

Basiyalo Try Proves Decisive

Just as the Force seemed to be taking control, the Drua found the key moment of the match. Competition debutant Isikeli Basiyalo intercepted a pass and raced away to score in the 61st minute, giving the home side valuable breathing room.

The Force kept pushing and gave themselves one final chance when Will Harris scored from a maul in the 70th minute to cut the margin to two points at 24-22. But the missed conversion meant the game remained just out of reach.

Donaldson later had the opportunity to win it with a late penalty from distance, but the kick drifted away, allowing the Drua to celebrate a narrow but important victory.

Fijian Drua: 15 Isikeli Rabitu, 14 Isikeli Basiyalo, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (co-captain), 12 Virimi Vakatava, 11 Ilaisa Droasese, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Motikiai Murray, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Joseva Tamani, 4 Isoa Nasilasila (co-captain), 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Penaia Cakobau

Reserves: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Vilive Miramira, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Isoa Tuwai, 22 Simione Kuruvoli, 23 Manasa Mataele

Western Force: 15 Mac Grealy, 14 George Bridge, 13 Hamish Stewart, 12 Bayley Kuenzle, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Henry Robertson, 8 Vaiolini Ekuasi, 7 Jack Daly, 6 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 5 Jeremy Williams (captain), 4 Franco Molina, 3 Misinale Epenisa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Sef Fa’agase

Reserves: 16 Nic Dolly, 17 Marley Pearce, 18 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 19 Lopeti Faifua, 20 Will Harris, 21 Agustin Moyano, 22 Kurtley Beale, 23 Zac Lomax