Fijian Drua Shock Undefeated Chiefs in Stunning Super Rugby Pacific Upset

This article first appeared on Stuff and is republished with permission

The previously winless Fijian Drua have shocked the previously undefeated Chiefs, securing a remarkable 28-24 victory during a thrilling Super Rugby Pacific encounter in Lautoka.

Winger Ponepati Loganimasi scored the decisive try at Churchill Park on Saturday, chasing after his own midfield kick, grubbering the ball over the try line, and diving on it to give the Drua an eight-point lead with under 15 minutes to go.

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The Drua have maintained their home winning streak at Lautoka Park, earning victories in their last seven matches, though they won’t play there again until April 19, when the Waratahs are scheduled to visit.

Chiefs hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho marked his return with his first start since rupturing an Achilles tendon in last year’s semi-final against the Hurricanes, scoring a try within the opening four minutes to give his side an early advantage.

Lock Jimmy Tupou then bounced back from a head injury assessment to extend their lead with a try in the 26th minute once Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula had got the home side on the scoreboard with a penalty.

Armstrong-Ravula succeeded with another penalty as the rain-soaked conditions hindered both teams from finding rhythm, but missed a chance to narrow the gap to three points just before half-time.

At that moment, it seemed like a significant let-off for the error-prone Chiefs, but they faced a more considerable setback just three minutes into the second half when No. 8 Meli Derenalagi powered through to score the home team’s first try.

Armstrong-Ravula added the conversion, putting the Drua in front by one point. However, the lead was momentary as Leroy Carter executed a precise kick behind the defence, setting up Anton Lienert-Brown to slide over and score the Chiefs’ third try amidst the slippery conditions.

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The Drua regained the lead on the hour mark when Ponepati Loganimasi received a pass during an attacking lineout and set up Vuate Karawalevu to score the go-ahead try.

Loganimasi then extended their advantage, after catching the ball in midfield, executing a clever kick, and regaining possession to score under the posts. Armstrong-Ravula made the kick for the first time in four attempts, giving the Drua an eight-point lead with 14 minutes left.

Armstrong-Ravula then slotted a penalty in the dying moments, while the Chiefs scored their fourth try too late to influence the outcome, ensuring they didn’t return home empty-handed.

What’s next?

The Fijian Drua will travel to face the Brumbies next Friday, four weeks after a narrow defeat to them in Suva during round one, while the Chiefs will host the Blues on Saturday, having previously beaten them at Eden Park in round one.

At Churchill Park, Lautoka: Fijian Drua 28 (Meli Derenalagi 43′, Vuate Karawalevu 60′, Ponepati Loganimasi 66′ tries, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula 2 conversions, 3 penalties) Chiefs 24 (Samisoni Taukei’aho 4′, Jimmy Tupou 26′, Anton Lienert-Brown 48′, Tupou Vaa’i 80’+2 tries; Josh Jacomb 2 conversions). HT: 6-12