The Highlanders have cruelly denied Fijian Drua a historic win in their first Super Rugby Pacific match played at home, with a full house at Suva’s ANZ Stadium unable to lift their team to victory.
The visitors rebounded from last week’s Super Round loss to the Brumbies to clinch a thrilling 27-24 win on Saturday.
The Highlanders didn’t hit the front until the 63rd minute when they declined a certain three points after receiving penalty and instead backed themselves to deliver a try from the line-out.
They came up trumps through replacement hooker Rhys Marshall after they drove the ball over the line to take a 25-24 lead before that was extended by Mitchell Hunt’s conversion.
In their first season, the Drua played all their home games against Australian teams in Australia due to COVID-19 enforced travel restrictions.
They were given a raucous homecoming with more than 15,000 fans turning out to provide a carnival atmosphere with Mexican waves and horns blowing.
The Fijian faithful didn’t have to wait long to celebrate with halfback Frank Lomani scoring in the third minute.
The Highlanders levelled soon after through Sam Gilbert after they worked the ball wide for the winger to flop across the line.
The Drua’s second try was special, starting inside their 22 with Vinaya Habosi tip-toeing down the sideline before turning on the burners.
They added a third when Kalaveti Ravouvou dived on to a Teti Tela kick into the in-goal and led 24-17 at halftime.
An early Highlanders penalty in the second half proved crucial in preventing a Fijian fairytale.
Marshall’s try was the only five-pointer of the second 40, with the Highlanders staying composed in the face of some relentless Drua attack as they hunted a match-winner.
It was the men from Dunedin’s second win of the season, previously beating the other new competition entry in Moana Pasifika.
“That was a full 80 minute effort – a hell of a game and I’m so proud of our boys for sticking in there,” Highlanders skipper and halfback Aaron Smith told Stan Sport.
“We knew the Fijians were going to be very dangerous as they’re a team who can score out of nothing and they got a couple of early ones but we stuck to our plan.”
Drua captain Meli Derenalagi was disappointed they couldn’t deliver a first-up win.
“We knew the Highlanders were going to come at us and I’m proud of the effort of the boys, trying to stay competitive and playing 80 minute rugby,” he said.
Tim J
Roar Rookie
A great game contributed by both teams, a great endorsement for SRP.. An unbelievable crowd with their passion and party atmosphere, also they have genuine understanding about the game. I hope that many more games are played in Fiji as they deserve the recognition for providing a great spectacle, without any doubt this was the best crowd of the season and best game also! Congratulations Fijian Rugby for a great job on the hosting of this great occasion.
Double Agent
Guest
Looked like more than a 15000 crowd. I think they just got sick of counting when they got to 15k! Really need to play more games in Fiji. Surely won't be long before the Drua are one of the top teams in the comp.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Seriously?
Highlander
Roar Guru
Interesting stat from the commentary in this game, Drua have scored 70% of their points this year in the second half and the Highlanders kept them scoreless – clever kicking games from both Smith and Fakatava turning them around again and again together with relentless defence in the midfield the keys. Holding out a side with that much attacking quality in front of what surely must have been the loudest crowd of the year, pretty good effort by the Southerners for mine.
Fats
Roar Rookie
Fiji and Drua won everywhere except the scoreboard. Aaron Smith needs to rein it in though, it's never a good look when the Captain get's marched for back chatting the Ref, either pick your lip up or improve your own game Aaron you're better than that. If not , well then get out of the way and let's see what Fakatava's got.
CUW
Roar Rookie
just wondering if all the losing teams gor a bonus point in the 6 matches ? and the losing margin was like 3 or less? must be a first in a long time :D
Divided Loyalties
Roar Rookie
Looking forward to watching a recorded version of this match ... sounds great
Dean
Roar Rookie
Best game of the season. Pickerill without doubt the best Rugby ref. Drua and Highlanders should both be applauded, as should the crowd. As a Reds man, I reckon we should play a home game there. My FiWi wife and I both loved the match. Super Round next year should be in Fiji.