Drua dig deep to deny Force as Moana hit hard by Chiefs' hammering

The Fijian Drua showed heart to hold on and snap their losing streak, clinching a 24-22 victory over the Western Force at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday.

Backed by a loud home crowd, the Drua looked sharp early and carried energy through a tense final stretch.

Their last win came back in March against the Reds, with the result giving the Drua crucial points to stay in the hunt for a top-six finish.

A thrilling final 10 minutes saw the Force create ample scoring opportunities, however they were unable to capitalise, giving the Drua a vital reprieve.

Drua captain Isoa Nasilasila told the media it came down to “good defence” and “working for each other” to secure the win.

Leading 19-7 at half-time, the home side punished the Western Force through their trademark attacking flair, keeping the ball alive.

The Fijian Drua perform their traditional challenge, (Na Bole) before kickoff. Photo/Facebook

While the Force opened proceedings through forward Misinale Epenisa, the Drua responded with three unanswered tries.

The first came through prop Haereitei Hetet, scoring from close range to bring the Drua back into the game, despite losing lock Etonia Waqa to the sin bin.

The following two tries came from strong efforts from the Drua’s backline, with an initial line break from fullback Isikeli Rabitu, finished off by teammate Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.

Rabitu rewarded his own efforts shortly after, finishing off team play to score out wide.

The early second half told a different story, with momentum shifting in favour of the visitors, as tries to Dylan Pietsch, captain Jeremy Williams, and Will Harris in the 70th minute brought the Force within reach.

Williams told the media post-match that “if they were able to nail a few other things, we could’ve won that game.”

The victory gives the Drua eight competition points, placing them above the Force on points differential.

It was also a special moment for young winger Isikeli Basiyalo, scoring a spectacular intercept try on debut at home.

In other Rugby news, it was a tougher outing for fellow Pacific side Moana Pasifika, who were hammered 62-17 by the Chiefs.

Conceding no points until the 50th minute, it was another difficult day for Moana players and fans alike in Rotorua on Saturday afternoon.

Former Moana winger Kyren Taumoefolau made his mark against his old club, proving dangerous on attack, scoring a try and breaking through to set up Quinn Tupaea.

Moana winger Solomon Alaimalo dotted down off a well-weighted chip and chase from teammate Patrick Pellegrini, before further tries to Abraham Pole and captain Miracle Faiilagi.

They will now travel across the ditch to face the Sydney Waratahs at Allianz Stadium, with kick-off at 9:35pm (NZT) on Friday 17 April.

For the Drua, attention turns to a rematch with the Brumbies, the same side they claimed their historic first-ever win against in Ba.

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