Super Rugby Pacific

Reece breaks try-scoring record as Crusaders hold off Highlanders

Published

11 months ago

23rd May 2025

Crusaders Sevu Reece during the Crusaders v Highlanders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch, New Zealand. Friday, 23 May 2025. (Photo by Martin Hunter / action press)

The Crusaders held on for a dramatic 15-12 victory over the Highlanders at Apollo Projects Stadium, surviving a kicking nightmare that saw their opponents miss four crucial penalties in a thrilling Southern Derby.

Key moments:

7′ – Rivez Reihana opens scoring with 35m penalty (3-0)
15′ – Sevu Reece breaks Super Rugby try-scoring record with 66th career try (10-0)
31′ – Taine Robinson’s penalty rebounds off left post (10-0)
39′ – Jonah Lowe scores after Scott Barrett error reduces deficit (10-5)
48′ – Robinson misses penalty from 37m (10-5)
50′ – Taine Robinson scores brilliant try from Folau Fakatava pass (10-12)
60′ – Cameron Millar misses penalty from halfway (10-12)
71′ – Tamaiti Williams powers over from close range (15-12)
80+1′ – Cameron Millar’s penalty to level drifts wide (15-12)

What a finish! 😮‍💨

The @crusadersrugby get the bragging rights in the southern derby 💪#SuperRugbyPacific #CRUvHIG pic.twitter.com/Mbot4g0XC2

— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) May 23, 2025

The foundation for the Crusaders’ early dominance was laid in the seventh minute when Timoci Tavatavanawai was caught offside following sustained pressure from the hosts. Rivez Reihana, positioned 35 metres out and just to the right of the posts, made no mistake with his opening penalty to establish a 3-0 advantage that would prove crucial in the final reckoning.

History was made in the 15th minute through a sequence that perfectly encapsulated the chaotic nature of modern rugby. Johnny McNicholl provided the spark with a devastating line break after the Highlanders’ hasty lineout throw was intercepted, the fullback gliding 40 metres through a gaping defensive hole to set up camp five metres from the Highlanders’ line. What followed was a masterclass in opportunism from Sevu Reece, who spotted the quick-tap penalty option and immediately set the phases in motion.

Cullen Grace and Tamaiti Williams both went agonisingly close before Reece, with the instincts of a natural predator, picked up from the base of the ruck and launched himself at the whitewash. The grounding appeared anything but certain – Jack Taylor’s desperate defensive effort appearing to dislodge the ball from Reece’s grasp as he stretched for the line. What ensued was an agonising wait as TMO Richard Kelly poured over multiple camera angles, searching for conclusive evidence that the wing had maintained sufficient control.

After what felt like an eternity for the 17,000 spectators packed into Apollo Projects Stadium, the TMO’s decision was confirmed as a try. The decision sparked wild celebrations from the home faithful as Reece surpassed TJ Perenara’s mark of 65 tries to become Super Rugby Pacific’s all-time leading try-scorer. Reihana’s conversion from close range stretched the advantage to 10-0, with the Crusaders appearing to be cruising towards a comfortable victory.

However, the Crusaders’ early dominance proved deceptive as the Highlanders gradually worked their way into the contest. Their pack, marshalled by the tireless Timoci Tavatavanawai, began to assert control at the breakdown, winning crucial turnovers and building sustained pressure in the home side’s territory. The visitors’ persistence was finally rewarded in the 39th minute through an uncharacteristic error from the usually reliable Scott Barrett.

The Crusaders captain, attempting an ambitious pass across his own 22-metre line, watched in horror as the ball sailed straight into the grateful hands of Tavatavanawai. The Fijian midfielder, who had been the Highlanders’ most potent attacking weapon throughout the half, seized upon the gift with predatory instincts. His powerful surge carried him to within five metres of the try line, where the ball was quickly recycled to the ever-alert Jonah Lowe.

The wing, spotting the gap at the base of the ruck, picked up with purpose and drove towards the line. His first step beat the fringe defence, his second powered through Barrett’s desperate attempt at redemption, and his third planted the ball firmly over the whitewash. The cruel irony of Barrett’s role in both creating and failing to prevent the try was not lost on the home supporters. Robinson’s conversion attempt from wide on the right struck the upright with a hollow clang, leaving the Highlanders trailing 10-5 at the interval despite dominating the final quarter.

The complexion of the match changed dramatically after the interval, with the Highlanders dominating territory and possession but repeatedly failing to capitalise on their superiority. Taine Robinson’s missed penalty from 37 metres in the 48th minute proved costly, as did Cameron Millar’s wayward attempt from halfway on the hour mark.

The Highlanders’ breakthrough finally arrived in the 50th minute through a moment of pure set-piece artistry that showcased exactly why lineout execution remains such a prized commodity in modern rugby. From a lineout six metres out, the visitors had clearly rehearsed their move to perfection. The initial drive looked conventional enough, with the forward pack rumbling towards the line in typical fashion.

However, this was merely the decoy for what was to follow. Veveni Lasaqa, timing his movement to perfection, peeled off the back of the maul and fired a precision pass to Folau Fakatava, who had positioned himself perfectly in the pocket behind the advancing forwards. The halfback’s dummy was a thing of beauty – so convincing that three Crusaders defenders committed to him completely, leaving a gaping hole in the defensive line.

Fakatava’s one-handed offload found Taine Robinson in acres of space, the first five-eighth needing only to gather cleanly and dive over next to the posts for what was undoubtedly the try of the match. Robinson’s conversion was never in doubt from directly in front, giving the visitors their first lead at 12-10 and sending their travelling supporters into raptures. The move had taken just eight seconds from lineout to try, a masterpiece of timing and execution that temporarily silenced the home crowd.

The Crusaders’ response was built on the kind of forward brutality that has defined their success over the years. With nine minutes remaining and trailing by two points, they earned a crucial penalty 25 metres from the Highlanders’ line. James O’Connor, who had replaced David Havili as captain, faced a pivotal decision – take the three points to edge in front, or back the pack’s ability to manufacture a try from close range.

The decision to kick for touch and pursue the five-pointer proved inspired. From the resulting lineout seven metres out, the Crusaders’ driving maul began its inexorable march towards the try line. The Highlanders’ pack, led by Sean Withy and Ethan de Groot, initially held firm, dragging the maul sideways and attempting to collapse it legally. For a moment, it appeared their resistance would hold.

George Bell, reading the situation perfectly, peeled off the back of the maul and charged for the line, only to be hauled down just short by desperate Highlanders defence. The ball was quickly recycled, and this is where Tamaiti Williams’ raw power proved decisive. The massive prop, all 120 kilograms of him, picked up from the base with the line beckoning just metres away.

Williams’ first contact was with Te Kamaka Howden, who bounced off the prop’s frame like a pebble off a rock face. Sean Withy arrived as reinforcement, but Williams had already built up an unstoppable head of steam. His low body position and driving legs carried him through two more attempted tackles before he crashed over the line with the kind of emphatic finish that defines championship moments.

O’Connor’s conversion attempt from wide on the right drifted agonisingly wide, meaning the Crusaders held just a three-point advantage rather than the comfortable five that might have settled nerves. The miss would prove significant in the dying moments that followed.

The drama was far from over. The Highlanders, with their season hanging by a thread, mounted one final desperate assault in the dying minutes. Their forwards, led by the tireless Tavatavanawai, battered away at the Crusaders’ defensive line with wave after wave of attack. With seconds remaining on the stadium clock, Christian Lio-Willie produced a moment of defensive brilliance that seemed to seal the victory, winning a crucial turnover deep in Crusaders territory.

However, rugby’s capacity for late drama was not yet exhausted. Kyle Preston, under pressure from advancing Highlanders forwards, rushed his clearing kick and sent it straight into touch, gifting the visitors one final opportunity. From the resulting lineout 38 metres from the Crusaders’ posts, the Highlanders worked through several phases before Todd Petrie’s whistle pierced the evening air – penalty to the Highlanders for a ruck infringement.

Cameron Millar, the replacement first five-eighth who had endured a frustrating evening with the boot, stepped up to the mark with the weight of his team’s season on his shoulders. The angle was difficult – 38 metres out and 18 metres in from the right touchline – but well within the range of a Super Rugby kicker. The stadium fell silent as Millar began his approach, 17,000 spectators holding their collective breath.

His strike was clean, the ball spinning end over end towards the posts with what appeared to be sufficient distance. For a heart-stopping moment, it looked destined to split the uprights and force extra time. However, at the crucial moment, the ball drifted agonisingly wide of the left upright, landing beyond the dead-ball line and sparking wild celebrations from the home supporters.

Millar sank to his knees in despair, a picture of sporting heartbreak that encapsulated the fine margins between triumph and devastation at the highest level of the game. The miss meant the Highlanders had failed to convert five kicks at goal throughout the evening – a statistic that would haunt them through the long off-season ahead.

The defeat will be particularly galling for the Highlanders, who dominated the second half but were undone by poor execution at crucial moments. Timoci Tavatavanawai was outstanding throughout, winning crucial turnovers and providing the attacking impetus that repeatedly put his side in scoring positions. Sean Withy was equally impressive, dominating the breakdown and making several key tackles.

For the Crusaders, this was a victory built on resilience rather than brilliance. Tom Christie and Christian Lio-Willie were outstanding at the breakdown, repeatedly winning turnover ball to relieve pressure on their defensive line. The home side’s ability to score when opportunities arose – exemplified by Williams’ decisive try – proved the difference in a match where chances were at a premium.

The victory keeps the Crusaders’ hopes of securing the number one seed alive, though they will likely need bonus-point victories in their remaining fixtures to overhaul the Chiefs. For the Highlanders, this defeat officially ended their playoff hopes, condemning them to finish bottom of the table despite their spirited showing in Christchurch.

The loss of four points from the tee will haunt the Highlanders, who showed enough attacking threat to suggest they could have won this encounter with better execution in the crucial moments. Their inability to convert pressure into points proved decisive in what was ultimately a match they deserved to win on the balance of play.

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Super Rugby Pacific

Reds 31–26 Crusaders – Super Rugby Pacific Round 9

Published

2 days ago

11th April 2026

rugbyisthegame

Reds 31–26 Crusaders – Super Rugby Pacific Round 9

Reds Filipo Daugunu takes a high ball during the Reds v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific match, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, Australia. Saturday, 11 April 2026, (Photo by Tertius Pickard / action press)

The Queensland Reds ended their 15-year Suncorp hoodoo against the Crusaders with a thrilling 31–26 victory, as Louis Werchon’s late try sealed a famous win on the night Filipo Daugunu brought up his 100th Super Rugby appearance.

Key moments

5 mins – TRY CRUSADERS: The visitors strike first. Johnny McNicholl drifts across to the left and floats a perfect pass to the wing, sending Christian Lio-Willie crashing over in the corner. Taha Kemara’s conversion hits the left post. (Reds 0–5 Crusaders)

11 mins – TRY REDS: The Reds respond through their captain. The Crusaders are penalised for obstruction in the lineout and Jock Campbell finds touch in the left corner. The Reds set the maul and it rumbles forward at pace before Fraser McReight peels away at the perfect moment, barging over to score. Campbell converts from wide. (Reds 7–5 Crusaders)

16 mins – TRY REDS: An incredible broken-play try extends the lead. McReight pinches the ball back and sends it wide right as the Reds bust in behind through Filipo Daugunu, linking inside with Kalani Thomas. He gets it on to Harry Wilson, who drops a banger of a kick in behind on the bounce. There’s no one at the back and Carter Gordon wins the race, gathering to score in the left corner. Campbell converts. (Reds 14–5 Crusaders)

21 mins – TRY CRUSADERS: The Crusaders hit back with a classy try. David Havili plugs the left corner and the visitors dominate possession through their forwards. The rolling maul comes to a halt metres short, so the ball is released wide right. Some silky passing out the back sees Chay Fihaki in space on the wing, and he strolls over. Kemara converts. (Reds 14–12 Crusaders)

Half-time: Reds 14–12 Crusaders. It’s been a lively first half at Suncorp, with the Reds holding a slim lead in a contest that’s had a bit of everything. Fraser McReight has been everywhere for the Reds, while Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has been busy in the tight. For the Crusaders, Noah Hotham has done a nice job steering things around. With just two points in it, this second half is set up perfectly.

41 mins – TRY REDS: The Reds come out firing. Campbell sends the restart deep and wins the lineout through Joe Brial. Hunter Paisami carts it up before Thomas goes for a snipe and slices in behind, stabbing a grubber to the left corner. Kemara spills it backwards and Tim Ryan cleans up on the bounce, diving over to score. Campbell’s conversion drifts wide. (Reds 19–12 Crusaders)

43 mins – TRY DISALLOWED REDS: Jock Campbell appears to score after a brilliant break from Daugunu, but the TMO rules he bobbled the ball and never grounded it cleanly. Crusaders line dropout.

46 mins – INJURY REDS: Carter Gordon is taken off with what appears to be a knee injury after being jammed awkwardly in a tackle. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips comes on at first-five.

53 mins – TRY CRUSADERS: The Crusaders level the scores. The visitors camp inside the 5m line, phase after phase building. Lio-Willie drives close before being stopped. Noah Hotham keeps it alive, sending George Bell into the 22. The Reds are caught offside and the Crusaders find touch 5m out. The maul is set and Bell crashes over at the back. Rivez Reihana converts superbly from wide. (Reds 19–19 Crusaders)

74 mins – TRY REDS: Filipo Daugunu delivers a massive blow on his milestone night. The Reds secure the lineout and Paisami crashes ahead, stopped just short. The Reds hammer away just metres out, Wilson picking and driving repeatedly into heavy contact. Eventually, Daugunu catches them napping, diving over at pace from the base of the ruck. McLaughlin-Phillips’ conversion hits the right post. (Reds 24–19 Crusaders)

78 mins – TRY REDS: Louis Werchon seals the famous victory. The Crusaders try to build through Dom Gardiner and Lio-Willie but fatigue is showing. The ball goes left, only for Gardiner to spill it at the line. Werchon gets a room service bounce, sprinting 70m down the right wing to streak away and score. McLaughlin-Phillips converts. (Reds 31–19 Crusaders)

80+2 mins – TRY CRUSADERS: The Crusaders salvage a losing bonus point. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is penalised for playing the ball on the ground as the siren sounds. The Crusaders find touch in the right corner and set the driving maul. It’s stopped abruptly, so Louie Chapman releases down the right, sending Fihaki away to complete his double. Reihana converts. (Reds 31–26 Crusaders)

Full-time: Reds 31–26 Crusaders

Full match report to follow.

Match details

Queensland Reds 31 (Tries: McReight, Gordon, Ryan, Daugunu, Werchon; Conversions: Campbell 2/3, McLaughlin-Phillips 1/2)
Crusaders 26 (Tries: Lio-Willie, Fihaki 2, Bell; Conversions: Kemara 1/2, Reihana 2/2)
Half-time: 14–12

Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant Referees: George Myers, Matt Kellahan
TMO: Aaron Paterson

Teams

Queensland Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Josh Flook, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Tim Ryan, 10 Carter Gordon, 9 Kalani Thomas, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Fraser McReight (c), 6 Joe Brial, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Seru Uru, 3 Nick Bloomfield, 2 Matt Faessler, 1 Aidan Ross.
Replacements: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Hamish Muller, 20 Vaiuta Latu, 21 Louis Werchon, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Isaac Henry.

Crusaders: 15 Johnny McNicholl, 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 David Havili (c), 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Taha Kemara, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Corey Kellow, 6 Dom Gardiner, 5 Jamie Hannah, 4 Antonio Shalfoon, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 George Bell, 1 George Bower.
Replacements: 16 Manumaua Letiu, 17 Finlay Brewis, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Tahlor Cahill, 20 Johnny Lee, 21 Louie Chapman, 22 Rivez Reihana, 23 Dallas McLeod.

What’s next

The Queensland Reds host the Chiefs at Suncorp Stadium next Saturday in another crucial home fixture. The Crusaders return to Christchurch to face the Western Force at Apollo Projects Stadium.

Super Rugby Pacific

Hurricanes 42–19 Blues – Super Rugby Pacific Round 9

Published

2 days ago

11th April 2026

rugbyisthegame

Hurricanes 42–19 Blues – Super Rugby Pacific Round 9

Hurricanes Fehi Fineanganofo scores a try and celebrates with Hurricanes Billy Proctor during the Hurricanes v Blues, Super Rugby Pacific match, Hnry Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand. Saturday, 11 April 2026, (Photo by Stringer / action press)

The Hurricanes produced a dominant second-half display to blow away the Blues 42–19 at Hnry Stadium, cementing their position at the top of Super Rugby Pacific with a comprehensive six-try victory.

Key moments

1 min – EARLY PRESSURE HURRICANES: The Blues kick off but it drifts out on the full. The Hurricanes feed the scrum on halfway and immediately look to attack.

5 mins – TRY HURRICANES: The Hurricanes strike first. Warner Dearns takes the lineout and the maul is well contained, but Cam Roigard fires it into the midfield where Billy Proctor dishes off under pressure. Ruben Love throws a crisp long pass to Callum Harkin, who slices into the hole to score out wide. Love converts. (Hurricanes 7–0 Blues)

14 mins – TRY HURRICANES: The Hurricanes extend their lead. Asafo Aumua rumbles towards the goal line but is stopped just short. The Canes hammer away with a series of pick and goes before Jordie Barrett plays short to Proctor, who carries one defender over to score. Love converts. (Hurricanes 14–0 Blues)

20 mins – HIA BLUES: Ofa Tu’ungafasi leaves the field for an HIA after a heavy collision with Xavier Numia. He later fails the assessment and does not return. Mason Tupaea comes on.

23 mins – TRY BLUES: The Blues get on the board. Marcel Renata and Finlay Christie have cracks from close range but are denied as the Blues pound away at the line under penalty advantage. A nice pass finds AJ Lam, who slices into a huge hole and dives over under the posts. Beauden Barrett converts. (Hurricanes 14–7 Blues)

28 mins – TRY BLUES: A slick Blues try. Aumua overthrows the lineout and Bradley Slater runs onto it. The Blues swing it left with lightning quick hands that sends Zarn Sullivan into space. He dishes it off to Caleb Clarke, who gets airborne and grounds it cleanly in the corner. Barrett’s conversion drifts wide. (Hurricanes 14–12 Blues)

34 mins – TRY HURRICANES: Fehi Fineanganofo continues his brilliant try-scoring form. Roigard evades several defenders on a nice 25m run upfield. The Hurricanes recycle quickly and swing it wide left to Fineanganofo, who steps sharply inside two defenders before slipping past another to score near the corner. Love converts from wide. (Hurricanes 21–12 Blues)

Half-time: Hurricanes 21–12 Blues. The Hurricanes exploded out of the blocks with two early tries but the Blues fought back nicely to reduce the deficit. With very little possession in the opening 15 minutes, the Blues responded well once they found field position. Zarn Sullivan provided a few silky touches and was strong on defence out wide. Cameron Roigard and Fehi Fineanganofo continue their brilliant seasons for the hosts.

41 mins – ERROR HURRICANES: Ruben Love replicates the Blues’ first-half error, putting the kickoff out on the full. The Blues will feed the scrum on halfway.

47 mins – TRY HURRICANES: Asafo Aumua powers over from the maul. Caleb Delany takes the lineout as the Hurricanes surge forward. It rumbles for the best part of 10m before Aumua splinters off and powers low to score. Love converts. (Hurricanes 28–12 Blues)

53 mins – YELLOW CARD HURRICANES: Fehi Fineanganofo is sent to the sin bin for a high tackle on Mason Tupaea. The contact is forceful and direct to the head. Beauden Barrett finds touch 10m out.

54 mins – TRY BLUES: The Blues capitalise on the man advantage. Xavi Taele takes a direct carry 5m out before they recycle quickly and swing it to Malachi Wrampling, who powers through Roigard and Dearns to score under the posts. Barrett converts. (Hurricanes 28–19 Blues)

65 mins – TRY HURRICANES: Callum Harkin completes his double with a moment of fortune. After 16 phases of relentless attack, Love rolls in a grubber on the left that deflects off legs into the arms of Harkin, who slips through one tackle and brings it around to score. Love converts. (Hurricanes 35–19 Blues)

70 mins – TRY HURRICANES: Cameron Roigard seals the victory. Jordie Barrett is quick over the ball and wins the penalty for not releasing after Spencer is isolated in the face of a good kick chase. Roigard taps quickly and goes on a threatening run towards the posts, where he is driven over to score. Love converts. (Hurricanes 42–19 Blues)

78 mins – YELLOW CARD HURRICANES: Isaia Walker-Leawere is shown a yellow card for a foot trip. The Blues find touch 42m out but cannot capitalise.

80+1 mins – FULL-TIME: Malachi Wrampling takes a powerful surge before Torian Barnes juggles and is tackled. The Hurricanes win the penalty for not releasing and Love boots it into touch to seal a comprehensive victory.

Full-time: Hurricanes 42–19 Blues

Full match report to follow.

Match details

Hurricanes 42 (Tries: Harkin 2, Proctor, Fineanganofo, Aumua, Roigard; Conversions: Love 6/6)
Blues 19 (Tries: Lam, Clarke, Wrampling; Conversions: Barrett 2/3)
Half-time: 21–12

Venue: Hnry Stadium, Wellington
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
Assistant Referees: TBC
TMO: TBC

Teams

Hurricanes: 15 Callum Harkin, 14 Josh Moorby, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett (co-c), 11 Fehi Fineanganofo, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), 6 Devan Flanders, 5 Warner Dearns, 4 Caleb Delany, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Xavier Numia.
Replacements: 16 Raymond Tuputupu, 17 Siale Laukai, 18 Tevita Mafileo, 19 Isaia Walker-Leawere, 20 Brad Shields, 21 Brayden Iose, 22 Ereatara Enari, 23 Jone Rova.

Blues: 15 Zarn Sullivan, 14 Codemeru Vai, 13 AJ Lam, 12 Xavi Taele, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Malachi Wrampling, 7 Anton Segner, 6 Che Clark, 5 Sam Darry (c), 4 Josh Beehre, 3 Marcel Renata, 2 Bradley Slater, 1 Ofa Tu’ungafasi.
Replacements: 16 James Mullan, 17 Mason Tupaea, 18 Sam Matenga, 19 Tristyn Cook, 20 Torian Barnes, 21 Taufa Funaki, 22 Pita Ahki, 23 Payton Spencer.

What’s next

The Hurricanes travel to Hamilton to face the Chiefs at FMG Stadium Waikato next Saturday in another blockbuster top-of-table clash. The Blues host the Highlanders at Eden Park.

Super Rugby Pacific

Fijian Drua hold off Force as Lomax debut ends in heartbreak

Published

2 days ago

11th April 2026

rugbyisthegame

Fijian Drua hold off Force as Lomax debut ends in heartbreak

Blues Patrick Tuipulotu, Force Dylan Pietsch, Chiefs Wallace Sititi, Drua Manasa Mataele, Reds Fraser McReight, Crusaders Codie Taylor, Highlanders Fabian Holland, Moana Pasifika Ngani Laumape, Hurricanes Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brumbies Tom Wright, Waratahs Eamon Doyle, during the season launch event, Super Rugby Pacific, Auckland, New Zealand. Wednesday, 4 February 2026, (Photo by John Cowpland / action press)

The Fijian Drua survived a dramatic second-half fightback to edge the Western Force 24–22 in Lautoka, denying Zac Lomax a winning start to his rugby union career and keeping their perfect home record against the visitors intact.

Key moments

9 mins – YELLOW CARD FIJIAN DRUA: Etonia Waqa is sent to the sin bin for a professional foul at the ruck as the Force build pressure deep in the Drua 22. (Fijian Drua 0–0 Western Force)

10 mins – TRY WESTERN FORCE: The Force capitalise on the man advantage. Jeremy Williams claims the lineout 5m out and the maul edges towards the line before Misinale Epenisa bundles over from close range. Ben Donaldson converts. (Fijian Drua 0–7 Western Force)

20 mins – TRY FIJIAN DRUA: The Drua respond in style. The lineout throw goes over the back and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre carries up the middle. Isikeli Basiyalo bursts through before Motikiai Murray gets close to the line and Penaia Cakobau, called up as a late replacement, drives over from close range. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula converts. (Fijian Drua 7–7 Western Force)

21 mins – DRINKS BREAK: Due to the high temperatures in Lautoka, the match pauses for a drinks break with the scores level.

26 mins – HELD UP WESTERN FORCE: Brandon Paenga-Amosa is denied twice from the rolling maul as the Drua defence holds firm on their own line. The Force lose the ball forward to relieve the pressure.

29 mins – TRY FIJIAN DRUA: A classic Fijian Drua try. Isikeli Rabitu breaks through the line on the left and finds Virimi Vakatawa, who bursts towards the 22 before firing a ball back inside. It bounces up perfectly for Armstrong-Ravula to score. Armstrong-Ravula converts. (Fijian Drua 14–7 Western Force)

34 mins – TRY FIJIAN DRUA: The Drua are flying. Vakatawa crashes through the defensive line and combines with Samusamuvodre to draw the fullback before putting Rabitu into space to score in the corner. Armstrong-Ravula’s conversion drifts wide. (Fijian Drua 19–7 Western Force)

Half-time: Fijian Drua 19–7 Western Force. The Drua have brought the Lautoka crowd to life with their trademark flair and physicality. After conceding early while down to 14 men, they responded in style with three tries full of enterprise and skill. Armstrong-Ravula has been central to everything, while Rabitu has been dangerous out wide. The Force have had their moments, particularly through the maul, but handling errors at key times have prevented them from capitalising.

43 mins – TRY DISALLOWED WESTERN FORCE: Misinale Epenisa appears to score his second, but the TMO rules he was stopped short of the line. The Force opt for a 5m scrum.

46 mins – TRY DISALLOWED WESTERN FORCE: Vaiolini Ekuasi peels off from the back of the scrum and barges over, but the TMO spots a knock-on at the base. The Force retain possession with another scrum penalty.

48 mins – TRY WESTERN FORCE: Third time lucky for the Force. Henry Robertson goes right from the scrum and Bayley Kuenzle fires a cut-out ball all the way to Dylan Pietsch on the right edge. He strolls over untouched. Donaldson’s conversion drifts wide. (Fijian Drua 19–12 Western Force)

59 mins – TRY WESTERN FORCE: The Force close to within two points. The Drua lose the lineout and the Force spin it wide. Kurtley Beale finds George Bridge with a long ball, and Bridge pops it up to captain Jeremy Williams, who dives over in the corner. Donaldson’s conversion misses. (Fijian Drua 19–17 Western Force)

60 mins – DEBUT WESTERN FORCE: Zac Lomax comes on from the bench to make his much-anticipated Super Rugby Pacific debut, replacing Dylan Pietsch.

62 mins – TRY FIJIAN DRUA: Isikeli Basiyalo delivers the killer blow. The Force tap a free kick and swing the ball left, but Beale’s pass is intercepted by Basiyalo, who races 60 metres to score untouched. Armstrong-Ravula hits the right post with the conversion. (Fijian Drua 24–17 Western Force)

70 mins – YELLOW CARD FIJIAN DRUA: Ilaisa Droasese is sent to the sin bin for a cynical foul, holding down Ben Donaldson as the Force counterattacked. The Force find touch 5m out.

71 mins – TRY WESTERN FORCE: The Force maul proves unstoppable with the man advantage. Nic Dolly throws and Will Harris peels off the back to dive over. Beale’s conversion drifts wide. (Fijian Drua 24–22 Western Force)

78 mins – MISSED PENALTY WESTERN FORCE: Ben Donaldson has the chance to win it from 45 metres out on the angle. The kick drifts right and the Drua survive. (Fijian Drua 24–22 Western Force)

80+3 mins – FULL-TIME: The Force win a penalty and Donaldson finds touch 30m out for one final lineout. Nic Dolly throws but Franco Molina can’t hold it at the top. The Drua scoop up the loose ball and bang it into touch to seal a famous victory.

Full-time: Fijian Drua 24–22 Western Force

Match report

Just days after Cyclone Vaianu lashed parts of Fiji, the Drua gave their supporters something to celebrate with a victory built on trademark flair and late defensive resolve. For the Force, it was another case of what might have been – three second-half tries hauled them back into the contest, but Ben Donaldson’s missed penalty in the 78th minute and a botched lineout after the siren left their finals hopes hanging by a thread.

The visitors started the brighter of the two sides. A sharp counterattack from Mac Grealy and Vaiolini Ekuasi put the Drua on the back foot early, and when flanker Etonia Waqa was shown a yellow card for a professional foul at the ruck in the ninth minute, the Force pounced. Jeremy Williams claimed the lineout 5m out, and after the maul edged towards the line, tighthead prop Misinale Epenisa burrowed over from close range. Donaldson converted to give the visitors a 7–0 lead.

The Drua might have been rattled, but they responded in emphatic fashion. Still down to 14 men, they won an overthrown lineout and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre carried hard up the middle. Isikeli Basiyalo burst through a gap before Motikiai Murray got close to the line, and Penaia Cakobau – called up as a late replacement for the injured Haereiti Hetet – drove over from close range. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula converted to level the scores.

The pattern of the first half was set. The Force had their moments, with Brandon Paenga-Amosa held up twice from the rolling maul, but the Drua’s attacking intent was proving the difference. In the 29th minute, they produced a classic try. Isikeli Rabitu broke through the line on the left and found Virimi Vakatawa, who burst towards the 22 before firing a ball back inside. It bounced up perfectly for Armstrong-Ravula to score a try of the highest quality.

Five minutes later, the Drua struck again. Vakatawa crashed through the defensive line and combined with Samusamuvodre to draw the fullback before putting Rabitu into space to score in the corner. Armstrong-Ravula’s conversion drifted wide, but at 19–7 the hosts were in command.

The Force needed a fast start to the second half, and they got one – eventually. Epenisa and Ekuasi both came close to scoring early on, with two tries ruled out by the TMO for knockdowns at the base of the scrum. On the third attempt, the visitors finally got their reward. Henry Robertson went right from the scrum and Bayley Kuenzle fired a cut-out ball all the way to Dylan Pietsch on the right edge. The winger, in his second game back from a foot injury, strolled over untouched.

The momentum had shifted. Captain Williams reduced the deficit to two points when he powered over in the corner after a lovely long ball from Kurtley Beale found George Bridge, who popped it up for the lock to dive over. At 19–17, the Force sensed an upset.

Then came the moment that changed the game. Lomax, who had come on to much fanfare in the 60th minute, was involved in a promising Force attack when the visitors tapped a free kick and swung the ball left. But Beale’s pass was telegraphed, and Basiyalo – making his own competition debut – read it perfectly. The sevens convert intercepted and raced 60 metres to score untouched, giving the Drua breathing room at 24–17.

The Force refused to lie down. A brilliant break from their own tryline saw Lomax link up with Bridge and Donaldson, and when Ilaisa Droasese was shown a yellow card for cynically holding down Donaldson, the visitors had their chance. Will Harris duly powered over from the back of the lineout maul, but Beale’s conversion drifted wide to leave the score at 24–22.

The drama was far from over. In the 78th minute, Harry Johnson-Holmes produced a huge jackal to give the Force one more chance. Donaldson lined up a penalty from 45 metres out on the angle, but the kick faded right and the Drua survived.

There was still time for one final twist. Williams came up with a crucial steal after the siren, and Donaldson found touch 30m out for what felt like the last throw of the dice. But Nic Dolly’s lineout throw was lost at the top by Franco Molina, and the Drua scooped up the loose ball and banged it into touch to seal a famous victory.

For the Drua, it was a night to remember. Basiyalo finished with 102 metres and a crucial try on debut, while Armstrong-Ravula guided the attack with composure and creativity. The win ends a three-match losing streak and keeps their finals hopes alive heading into next week’s trip to Canberra.

For the Force, it continues a frustrating pattern. Williams was outstanding with 26 metres gained, two turnovers won and a try, while Bridge never stopped working on the wing with 74 metres and three offloads. Lomax registered 40 run metres and two clean breaks in his 20-minute cameo, but a winning debut on foreign soil was always a big ask.

The Force remain winless from three visits to Fiji and sit 10th on the ladder. With finals hopes fading, they will need to produce something special when the Crusaders visit Perth next weekend.

What’s next

The Fijian Drua travel to Canberra to face the Brumbies at GIO Stadium next Saturday. The Western Force return to Perth to host the Crusaders at HBF Park.

Match details

Fijian Drua 24 (Tries: Cakobau, Armstrong-Ravula, Rabitu, Basiyalo; Conversions: Armstrong-Ravula 2/4)
Western Force 22 (Tries: Epenisa, Pietsch, Williams, Harris; Conversions: Donaldson 1/3, Beale 0/1)
Half-time: 19–7

Venue: Churchill Park, Lautoka
Referee: Damon Murphy (Australia)
Assistant Referees: Jordan Way, Jeremy Markey
TMO: James Leckie

Teams

Fijian Drua: 15 Isikeli Rabitu, 14 Isikeli Basiyalo, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (co-c), 12 Virimi Vakatawa, 11 Ilaisa Droasese, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Motikiai Murray, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Joseva Tamani, 4 Isoa Nasilasila (co-c), 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Penaia Cakobau.
Replacements: 16 Mesulame Dolokoto, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Isoa Tuwai, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Vilive Miramira, 23 Manasa Mataele.

Western Force: 15 Mac Grealy, 14 George Bridge, 13 Hamish Stewart, 12 Bayley Kuenzle, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 Ben Donaldson, 9 Henry Robertson, 8 Vaiolini Ekuasi, 7 Jack Daly, 6 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 5 Jeremy Williams (c), 4 Franco Molina, 3 Misinale Epenisa, 2 Brandon Paenga-Amosa, 1 Sef Fa’agase.
Replacements: 16 Nic Dolly, 17 Marley Pearce, 18 Harry Johnson-Holmes, 19 Lopeti Faifua, 20 Will Harris, 21 Agustin Moyano, 22 Kurtley Beale, 23 Zac Lomax.