Highlanders Secure Emphatic Victory Over Fijian Drua, Solidifying Quarter-Final Qualification
On Sunday afternoon, the Highlanders secured a comprehensive 39-3 victory over the Fijian Drua in a crucial battle between the 7th and 8th placed teams, solidifying their quarter-final qualification prospects in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
With young fly-half Ajay Faleafaga starting again for the Highlanders, their outside backs orchestrated a dominant performance, racing out to an 18-0 lead by the half-time break. Tries from wingers Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Jona Nareki, coupled with two conversions and two penalties by fullback Sam Gilbert, gave the home side a comfortable advantage.
“The Highlanders opened the scoring within the opening five minutes, as a slick backline move was finished by the agile Nareki in the corner.”
The Highlanders swiftly regained control, with Nareki grabbing his second try, followed by a well-worked team effort involving Timoci Tavatavanawai and Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, extending the lead to 32-3.
While the Drua threatened briefly with a line break from centre Iosefo Masi, the Highlanders’ resolute defense snuffed out any comeback hopes. Replacement loose forward Nikora Broughton capped off the dominant display with a late intercept try, sealing the 39-3 victory for the Highlanders.
The win secures a playoff spot for the Highlanders, who will now travel to face the Hurricanes in a crunch match. The Drua, on the other hand, will return to Fiji to take on the Rebels at Churchill Park.
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