The Fijian Drua maintained their formidable Churchill Park fortress with a stirring 28-24 victory over the previously unbeaten Chiefs, finally converting promise into results after three heartbreaking losses to start their Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
Key moments:
3′ – Taukei’aho scores from rolling maul after Chiefs lineout (0-5)
22′ – Armstrong-Ravula penalty gets Drua on board (3-5)
26′ – Tupou crashes over from close range after sustained pressure (3-10)
27′ – Jacomb conversion extends Chiefs lead (3-12)
36′ – Armstrong-Ravula penalty narrows gap (6-12)
43′ – Derenalagi dives over to give Drua first lead (11-12)
44′ – Armstrong-Ravula conversion completes comeback (13-12)
48′ – Lienert-Brown slides onto Carter’s kick to reclaim Chiefs lead (13-17)
60′ – Karawalevu scores after brilliant Loganimasi pass (18-17)
66′ – Loganimasi’s breathtaking solo effort extends Drua lead (23-17)
67′ – Armstrong-Ravula converts try under posts (25-17)
78′ – Armstrong-Ravula penalty seals victory (28-17)
80+2′ – Vaa’i’s consolation try secures bonus point for Chiefs (28-22)
80+3′ – Jacomb converts after siren (28-24)
In typically torrential Lautoka conditions that gradually cleared as the match progressed, the Drua produced a second-half masterclass of attacking rugby to overturn a 12-6 halftime deficit and claim their maiden win over the competition leaders.
The skies opened precisely as the teams ran onto the field, with rain hammering down as the Drua performed their traditional “Na Bole” war cry. The downpour created treacherous handling conditions that would shape the first half’s tactical approach.
The Chiefs, who made seven changes to their starting lineup including the absence of injured All Blacks playmaker Damian McKenzie, demonstrated clinical efficiency early. Just three minutes after kick-off, All Blacks hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho, making his first start since rupturing an Achilles tendon last season, crashed over from an uncontested rolling maul 17 metres in from the left touchline. Josh Jacomb, taking over kicking duties from McKenzie, pulled his conversion attempt wide from a handy position, keeping the early advantage to five points.
The inclement weather dictated a cautious approach from both sides, with territorial kicking and set-piece dominance becoming the primary focus. Handling errors abounded as players struggled to maintain possession on the slippery surface.
Despite dominating territory, the Drua’s attacking intent was repeatedly undermined by handling errors. After 22 minutes of frustration, they finally got on the scoreboard when Armstrong-Ravula, recalled to the starting lineup in place of Caleb Muntz, slotted a straightforward penalty from directly in front.
The Chiefs responded emphatically. A scrum penalty deep in Drua territory allowed them to deploy their efficient lineout drive once more. Although the maul was halted, the forwards maintained pressure through pick-and-go phases, culminating in No.8 Jimmy Tupou forcing his way over between two defenders in the 26th minute. Jacomb added the extras to extend the lead to 12-3.
Armstrong-Ravula narrowed the gap with another penalty in the 36th minute after Taukei’aho was penalised for taking out scrum-half Frank Lomani. The Drua fly-half had an opportunity to further reduce the deficit on the stroke of halftime with a penalty from 37 metres out, but pushed his attempt wide right.
The Chiefs’ 12-6 halftime advantage seemed precarious given the conditions and the Drua’s reputation for second-half surges at Churchill Park. Those fears were realised almost immediately after the restart, as the rain eased and the hosts emerged with renewed purpose.
After Lomani made a sniping break down the short side, the Drua forwards established a platform five metres from the line. Three phases of direct carrying culminated in captain Meli Derenalagi diving over beneath the posts in the 43rd minute. Armstrong-Ravula’s simple conversion gave the Drua their first lead at 13-12.
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The Chiefs’ response displayed their championship pedigree. Winger Leroy Carter made strong metres down the left wing before placing a perfectly weighted kick ahead. All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown won the race to the ball and slid across the damp surface to score his third try of the season. With Jacomb’s conversion attempt unsuccessful, the Chiefs led 17-13 with over 30 minutes remaining.
As the sun began to break through the clouds, the Drua’s renowned attacking flair emerged in spectacular fashion. Back-to-back penalties allowed them to establish territory inside the Chiefs’ 22. After patient build-up work by the forwards, Armstrong-Ravula delivered a precise cut-out pass that Loganimasi caught at height before delivering a brilliant basketball-style inside ball to fullback Vuate Karawalevu, who burst through to score on the hour mark. Armstrong-Ravula’s conversion attempt drifted wide, leaving the Drua with a slender 18-17 advantage.
The decisive moment came in the 66th minute through former Sevens star Loganimasi, who produced a piece of individual brilliance that will feature in season highlights packages. Gathering a Jacomb chip kick at pace just inside his own half, he spun out of a tackle, chipped ahead, chased, then grubbered the ball towards the line before diving to ground it under the posts. Armstrong-Ravula’s straightforward conversion extended the lead to 25-17.
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“It was incredible skill,” Drua coach Glen Jackson later remarked. “That’s the X-factor our players bring. When the conditions improved and we could express ourselves, you saw the result.”
The Chiefs mounted desperate attacks to salvage the match, but the Drua’s defence held firm. The hosts demonstrated exceptional game management in the closing stages, with Armstrong-Ravula’s 78th-minute penalty from 13 metres out extending their lead to 28-17 and effectively sealing victory.
With time expired, the Chiefs salvaged a potentially valuable bonus point when captain Tupou Vaa’i burrowed over from close range after sustained pressure. Jacomb’s conversion made the final score 28-24, a scoreline that flattered the visitors based on the balance of play in the second half.
“We could have won three games already,” reflected Drua captain Frank Lomani afterwards. “I think it’s about time we owe our fans, our supporters who came out today a win, and we did the job. Churchill Park is special for us.”
The result maintains the Drua’s remarkable record at Churchill Park, where they have now won seven consecutive matches. For the Chiefs, it ends their perfect start to the season, though they remain atop the standings with 14 points from four matches.
Chiefs captain Vaa’i acknowledged the challenge his team faced: “We knew it would be tough coming here to play the Drua. We lost our way after halftime, but I’m sure we will regroup and focus ahead.”
Both teams displayed contrasting approaches to the difficult conditions. The Chiefs were clinical and structured, particularly in the first half, with their set-piece dominance and territorial kicking game keeping the Drua at bay. However, they sorely missed McKenzie’s playmaking ability as the game opened up.
The Drua initially struggled to adapt to the weather, attempting to play with width despite the rain. Their second-half adjustment to a more direct approach paid dividends, creating the platform for their explosive outside backs to shine once the conditions improved.
Armstrong-Ravula’s control of the game proved pivotal, particularly in the second half when his tactical kicking pinned the Chiefs deep in their territory. Despite mixed success off the tee, his distribution and game management demonstrated why Jackson recalled him to the starting lineup.
For the Drua, the victory is particularly sweet after three consecutive losses by five points or fewer to open their campaign. They now take renewed confidence into next Friday’s visit to Canberra, where they face the Brumbies in a rematch of their narrow round one defeat.
The Chiefs, meanwhile, return home to face the Blues in Hamilton, hoping to recapture the form that saw them win at Eden Park in the opening round. Their ability to salvage a bonus point may prove crucial in the final standings, but questions will be asked about how they surrendered control after a dominant opening half.
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