Super Rugby: Blues power past Drua to lift Joeli Vidiri Trophy

The Blues have claimed the Joeli Vidiri Trophy with a commanding 40-15 win over the Fijian Drua, pulling away in the second half after a tight and lively contest at Eden Park on Saturday night.

For long stretches, this felt like a game the Drua could take. They played with pace, offloaded freely, and asked real questions of the Blues’ defence.

But once again, the visitors could not hold it together for the full 80 minutes of their round seven clash in Super Rugby Pacific.

Drua lock Isoa Nasilasila pointed out where it broke down for his side.

“It came down to our mistakes in key moments, especially in the 22,” he told Sky Sport. “And the Blues are a good outfit so they were able to bounce on the turnovers and score tries.”

There was plenty to like early on. The Drua brought energy and flair, moving the ball wide and keeping the Blues under pressure.

Iosefo Namoce of the Fijian Drua, who was named Player of the Match. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

Flanker Etonia Waqa opened their account after sharp work from winger Epeli Momo, and they struck again before the break through Vocevoce after a patient build-up.

When flyhalf Kemu Valetini edged them ahead 15-14 just after half-time, the upset looked on.

But the turning point came soon after. The same issues that have followed the Drua this season returned: handling errors at key moments and missed chances in scoring areas.

The Joeli Vidiri Memorial Trophy. Photo/ Joshua Devenie/Photosport

Against a side like the Blues, that proved costly. The home side leaned on their set piece, and it paid off. Their rolling maul was hard to stop, with hooker Bradley Slater scoring twice from near-identical lineout drives. From there, the Blues took control.

Injuries also hurt the Drua. Key players, including Lomani and hooker Zuriel Togiatama, were forced off, while the Blues bench lifted the tempo.

Fresh legs and strong depth made the difference as the game opened up.

Youngster CodeMeru Vai crossed out wide after a sharp break created space before Payton Spencer turned defence into attack, chasing down a Finlay Christie chip to score.

Caleb Clarke then sealed the result late with his 38th career try.

The win carried extra meaning for the Blues. The Joeli Vidiri Trophy honours the former All Black and Fiji international, a player respected across both nations.

“You hear a lot of stories about him, and what a great player he was and what a great man he was,” Blues captain Sam Darry said after the match. “So for us to be able to play for a trophy in memory of him is special.”

In the end, it was a familiar result but not without promise for the Drua. Their attacking game continues to trouble top sides, but closing out matches remains the big challenge.

The Blues now move on with their fifth win of the season while the Drua are left to regroup, knowing they can match but needing to prove they can do it for the full 80 minutes.

The Blues host the Hurricanes next Saturday, April 7, with kick-off set for 7:05pm (NZT), while the Drua face the Crusaders a day earlier on Friday at the same time.

In other matches played this weekend, the Highlanders beat Moana Pasifika 39-19, the Waratahs pipped the Brumbies 30-28, and the Hurricanes proved too strong for the Reds 52-14.

For more information on the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Championship, click here.