Fijian Drua beat Highlanders 24-14

Fijian Drua 24-14 Highlanders, Four R Stadium

The Fijian Drua kept their Super Rugby Pacific finals hopes alive with a strong 24-14 victory over the Highlanders at Four R Stadium.

The result preserved their perfect record at the new venue and gave them their first win over the Highlanders after four previous defeats.

The Highlanders had chances to take control, but the Drua’s defence, breakdown work and second-half composure proved decisive.

Drua Strike First Through Vakatawa

The Highlanders made a bright start and nearly opened the scoring inside the first minute when Timoci Tavatavanawai and Jonah Lowe combined dangerously.

But the Drua recovered quickly and took the lead in the ninth minute. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre broke through the defensive line and created the platform for centre Virimi Vakatawa to cross.

The Highlanders responded four minutes later when Jonah Lowe finished in the corner to level the scores.

The Drua then moved back in front through fullback Isikeli Rabitu, who stepped past a defender and dived over for a sharp individual try.

Highlanders Lead At Halftime

The Highlanders finished the first half strongly and took the lead just before the break. Veveni Lasaqa crossed from the back of a rolling maul, giving the visitors a 14-12 advantage at halftime.

But the Drua made the better start after the restart. Rabitu showed his pace again, racing clear for his second try to put the hosts back in front.

Canakaivata Extends Drua Lead

Turnover ball continued to hurt the Highlanders, and Elia Canakaivata made them pay by crossing to extend the Drua’s lead to 24-14.

The Highlanders nearly hit back when Lasaqa almost produced an intercept try from a five-metre scrum, but the ball went to ground before he could regather.

The visitors were then handed a major chance when Rabitu was yellow-carded for a cynical infringement close to the line. However, the Drua defended brilliantly during the 10-minute period and kept the Highlanders out despite repeated attacks.

Drua Hold Firm Late

The Highlanders’ best late chance came when Soane Vikena latched onto an overthrown five-metre lineout and dived for the line, only for a strong tackle to dislodge the ball.

The Drua nearly added a bonus-point try after the siren but were denied by a knock-on near the goal-line.

It was a vital win for the Drua, who remain in the finals race, while the Highlanders missed the chance to claim even a losing bonus point.