Drua dethrone Tahs in home thriller, Brumbies dominate Moana in defensive showcase

Round 10 of Super Rugby Pacific brought some thrilling moments and a few surprises as the 2025 season approaches its climax.

The Fijian Drua left the New South Wales Waratahs frustrated by securing a victory at their home ground in Lautoka on Saturday, making it eight wins at Churchill Park.

The Sydney-based Waratahs hoped to claim their first away win of the season, but their chance to move up in the rankings was hindered by a 24-14 loss to the Drua. The defeat marked the ninth loss when playing away from home.

The Drua showcased their skills by outplaying the Waratahs in every area of the game.

Despite being short on players, the Waratahs mounted a determined comeback in the second half, trying to push the game into a tense extra-time shootout, just like they did last year when they rallied from a 16-point deficit.

But they couldn't recover from the damage done in the first half, exacerbated by the sweltering heat that required both teams to take a drinks break.

Adding to the Waratahs' woes, they conceded a penalty try just after the final whistle, missing out on an important bonus point. At the same time, the Drua extended their unbeaten record at home.

After the Drua kicked two early penalty goals by flyhalf Isaiah-Armstrong-Ravula to lead 6-0, the Fijians scored two tries. Flanker Motikiai Murray broke the Waratahs' defence to score in the 22nd minute.

Drua's prolific tryscorer Ponipate Loganimasi dashed over the tryline just before halftime to give the hosts an 18-7 advantage.

Inspired by family members cheering in the crowd, Waratahs' backrower Langi Gleeson, who has Fijian heritage, scored his team's only try shortly after coming on as a substitute.

The Waratahs got closer when replacement hooker Julian Heaven scored in the 56th minute, narrowing the gap to just seven points.

But the visitors could not convert their momentum into a win, especially heading into a bye this week, where they risk falling out of the top six positions.

After the game, Drua's co-captain and hooker, Mesulame Dolokoto, told a post-match interview that he was proud of the team's effort to break their losing streak and defeat the Waratahs in a humid Lautoka armwrestle.

"Really happy with that win. It has been a tough five weeks. Credit to the boys for not giving up. Turning up every Monday. Thanks to the fans for turning up. Best fans in the world. I know these past five weeks wouldn't be easy, but you guys came out in numbers. Vinaka vakalevu."

Brumbies' defensive masterclass too good for Moana

In another match, the ACT Brumbies from Canberra defeated Moana Pasifika, without their inspirational captain Ardie Savea, 24-0 in Pukekohe on Saturday.

While Moana had plenty of possession and territory, they couldn't secure any points due to the strong Brumbies, especially any points due to the strong Brumbies' defence.

Corey Toole scored just before halftime, giving the Brumbies the upper hand. They continued to dominate in the second half, scoring more tries and maintaining a clean sheet.

Brumbies captain Allan Alalatoa praised his team's performance, highlighting the importance of their defence.

"It's pleasing to come out here to Pukekohe and put in a performance like that against a tough Moana side," Alaalatoa told SkySportNZ after the game.

"The most pleasing part was to keep their side at zero points, and our side (show) their attacking flair. I'm so proud of that effort.

"I think we just had to hustle hard … we had two yellow cards today (Tom Hooper and Tom Wright) and still didn't give any points away."

In other matches, the Crusaders narrowly beat the defending champions, the Blues, at fulltime in Christchurch with a James O'Connor penalty for the 25-22 victory. The Crusaders, leading the table after last week, dropped to second behind the Chiefs.

The Chiefs overwhelmed the Highlanders in Hamilton, 46-10, while the game between the Western Force and Hurricanes ended in a 17-all draw in Perth.

Looking ahead to round 11, the Chiefs will host the Force in Hamilton on Friday, while the Blues travel to Brisbane to take on the Reds at Suncorp Stadium.

On Saturday, Moana and the Drua will battle it out in Auckland, the Highlanders host the Crusaders, and the Hurricanes will face the Brumbies in Canberra.