The Hurricanes emerged victorious over the Fijian Drua in an exciting match, finishing with a score of 38-34 in Napier. The game was characterized by a flurry of tries, reflecting the attacking skills of both teams.
The Hurricanes set the tone early on, with flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi scoring in just the first minute after a quick exchange with Cam Roigard. However, the Drua quickly responded, as winger Junior Ratuva crossed the line for their inaugural try.
Despite the Hurricanes’ energetic start, the Drua dominated the first half by taking advantage of mistakes and executing their game plan flawlessly. Key moments included a stunning solo effort from Armstrong-Ravula and a swift try from halfback Frank Lomani, combined with a remarkable long-range kick from lock Isoa Nasilasila. These efforts put the Drua in a commanding position, leading 27-19 at halftime.
The second half witnessed a resurgence from the Hurricanes, with Roigard scoring again and Bailyn Sullivan putting the home team ahead. The Drua, however, fought back and reclaimed the lead through a well-coordinated lineout move finished by Elia Canakaivata.
The match’s turning point occurred during a crucial turnover at the restart, which allowed Riley Hohepa to set up Harry Godfrey for a match-winning try in the corner.
Looking ahead, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua are preparing to travel across the Tasman to take on the Waratahs next week in round three of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Season. This upcoming match presents a vital opportunity for the Drua to regroup after a narrow defeat and to focus on building their performance as the season continues.
The match was not just a testament to the competitive spirit within rugby, but also highlighted the potential for growth and improvement. The resilience shown by the Drua could signify a positive turning point in their season, instilling hope among fans as they anticipate future challenges ahead.
Leave a comment