Hurricanes edge Fijian Drua in thrilling Super Rugby Pacific clash

In a pulsating Super Rugby Pacific encounter at McLean Park in Napier, the Hurricanes narrowly defeated the Fijian Drua 38-34 on Saturday.

The match was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts, with the Hurricanes overcoming disciplinary challenges and a determined Drua side to claim their first win of the season.

The Fijian Drua started the match with high intensity, capitalizing on Hurricanes' early infractions. In the 10th minute, the Drua's persistent pressure led to a try by lock Isoa Nasilasila, who powered over the line after a series of forward drives.

Fly-half Caleb Armstrong-Ravula added the conversion, giving the visitors an early 7-0 lead.

The Hurricanes responded swiftly. By the 15th minute, flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi finished off a well-executed maul, touching down to narrow the gap. However, the conversion attempt by Harry Godfrey was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 7-5.

Discipline issues continued to plague the Hurricanes. A yellow card in the 20th minute for repeated infringements reduced them to 14 men.

The Drua took advantage, and in the 25th minute, winger Selestino Ravutaumada showcased his speed, finishing a swift backline move to extend the lead. Armstrong-Ravula's conversion made it 14-5.

Despite being a man down, the Hurricanes showcased resilience. In the 30th minute, number eight Brayden Iose broke through the defensive line, sprinting 20 meters to score under the posts. Godfrey's successful conversion brought the Hurricanes closer at 14-12.

The Drua, undeterred, continued their attacking onslaught. In the 35th minute, scrum-half Frank Lomani capitalized on a defensive lapse, sniping through a gap to score. With Armstrong-Ravula's conversion, the Drua extended their lead to 21-12.

As halftime approached, the Hurricanes earned a penalty in the 40th minute, which Godfrey slotted to reduce the deficit. The teams headed into the break with the Drua leading 21-15.

The Hurricanes emerged from the halftime break with renewed determination. In the 45th minute, substitute prop Xavier Numia powered over the line after sustained pressure. Godfrey's conversion edged the Hurricanes ahead for the first time at 22-21.

The Drua quickly regained composure. In the 50th minute, a well-structured lineout led to flanker Vilive Miramira crashing over for a try. Armstrong-Ravula's conversion restored their lead to 28-22.

The see-saw nature of the match continued. By the 60th minute, Hurricanes' halfback Cam Roigard showcased individual brilliance, darting through the defense to score. Godfrey's conversion put the Hurricanes back in front at 29-28.

The Drua responded with a penalty in the 65th minute, with Armstrong-Ravula successfully kicking to reclaim the lead at 31-29. However, the Hurricanes answered with a penalty of their own in the 70th minute, as Godfrey's accurate boot made it 32-31.

The final ten minutes were a testament to both teams' tenacity. In the 75th minute, the Drua's relentless attack earned them another penalty, which Armstrong-Ravula converted, swinging the lead back to 34-32 in favor of the visitors.

With time running out, the Hurricanes mounted a decisive offensive. In the 78th minute, playing in front of his home crowd, first-five Harry Godfrey spotted a defensive mismatch and exploited the gap to dive over for a crucial try. He then added the conversion, giving the Hurricanes a 38-34 lead.

The Drua, in a desperate bid to snatch victory, advanced into the Hurricanes' territory in the dying moments. However, the home side's defense held firm, and a handling error from the Drua sealed the match in favor of the Hurricanes.