Fijian Drua has recorded essentially the most vital win of their two seasons in Tremendous Rugby Pacific with a outstanding 25-24 upset of the reigning champion Crusaders in entrance of a passionate dwelling crowd in Lautoka.
Key factors:
- Kemu Valetini landed the successful penalty purpose for Fijian Drua
- The 2 sides scored 4 tries every
- The Crusaders defeated the Drua 61-3 final yr
Debutant alternative fly-half Kemu Valetini slotted the successful penalty purpose from in entrance of the posts with 80 minutes already up on the clock after a topsy-turvy match performed in stifling warmth at Churchill Park.
Hammered 61-3 by the 13-times Tremendous Rugby champions of their solely earlier assembly in Could final yr, the Drua went 12-0 down early within the contest after the Crusaders scored two tries via rolling mauls.
They stormed again with unanswered tries from centre Iosefi Masi, fullback Ilaisa Droasese, flanker Joseva Tamani and winger Eroni Sau to take a 22-12 lead with 13 minutes remaining.
The Crusaders rallied with a strive from Fiji-born winger Sevu Reece and one other from a rolling maul for alternative hooker Ioane Moananu, which fly-half Fergus Burke transformed from the touchline to place the guests 24-22 forward with seconds to go.
The New Zealanders knocked on from the following kick-off to provide the Drua one other likelihood, nevertheless, they usually labored calmly via a number of phases earlier than the Crusaders had been penalised to provide Valetini the prospect to safe a well-known victory.
“It was unreal in the present day, it was epic,” stated Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere.
“The boys got here out within the second half firing and we did the job, we obtained the win.
“We had the idea we might do it and we got here and defeated an amazing Crusaders crew. And what higher strategy to do it than in entrance of our dwelling crowd.”
It was a second defeat in three matches this season for the Crusaders.
“I assume that is not what we wished, however we obtained what we anticipated — that is a tricky Drua facet taking part in at dwelling,” stated Crusaders captain Scott Barrett, who was taking part in his one centesimal Tremendous Rugby match.
“We noticed how harmful they had been, they capitalised with their ability, operating play. Congratulations to the Drua on their win.”
Reuters
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