The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua celebrated an emphatic farewell for four key players, defeating the Western Force 38-7 in their final home match of the Super Rugby Pacific season at Churchill Park. This victory not only marked a significant moment for the team but also extended the Drua’s remarkable unbeaten streak at home to nine games.
Although the Force drew first blood with an early try from Sio Tomkinson, the Drua quickly reclaimed control. Number eight Elia Canakaivata starred in the match, scoring two tries and demonstrating relentless power against the Western Force’s defense. Flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula organized the attack brilliantly, showcasing precision that has notably improved over the season.
Captain Tevita Ikanivere, participating in what could be his last home match for the team, spoke about the importance of this win, thanking his teammates and emphasizing the effort they put forth to secure the victory. Head coach Glen Jackson echoed this sentiment, expressing that their focus on delivering a win for both fans and departing players paid off.
The Drua’s performance was highlighted by three consecutive tries in the second half, maintaining a dominant presence. Taniela Rakuro initiated a powerful run that set up Canakaivata’s first try, followed by another short-range conversion to push the score to 31-7. The final nail in the coffin came from Selestino Ravutaumada, who pushed through for a try in the closing minutes, finalized by a successful conversion from Caleb Muntz.
Western Force captain Jeremy Williams acknowledged his team’s struggle to cope with the Drua’s momentum shift, admitting that their discipline issues and turnovers led to their downfall during the match.
This victory lifted the Drua to 10th place in the Super Rugby Pacific standings, providing a crucial advantage over their competitors. The Drua will take a bye week before finishing their season with an away match against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane on May 31. As they prepare for this last encounter, the team’s upbeat performance instills hope for a strong finish, paving the way for future successes as they develop under the guidance of the departing players’ legacy. The dedicated support from their fans remains a vital force for the team’s morale and performance.
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