The Auckland Blues handed the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua their first home defeat of 2023 with a 30-14 win at Churchill Park in their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific culture round clash this afternoon.
The Blues started the game well taking a 13-0 lead in the first 30 minutes before the Drua closed the gap in the 33rd minute of the game through a try to number 8 Elia Canakaivata.
The Blues headed into half time with a 20-7 lead.
Discipline let the Drua down in the second spell as the Blues capitalized on it to score a further 10 points before Canakaivata dived over for his second try in the corner and replacement fly-half Kemu Valetini converting the try for a 30-14 lead to the Blues.
The Drua tried to fight back in the last 7 minutes of the game but the Blues stood their ground in defence and held on to win.
Fijian Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere says today’s game was a learning curve for them.
He says they will go back to the drawing board next week and try to observe and iron out the mistakes they committed today before they take on the Hurricanes at the HFC Bank Stadium.
Insert: Learning curve Tex 29th April MR
The Moana Pasifika are currently playing the Rebels. The score is nil-all.
The undefeated Chiefs host the Crusaders at 7.05 tonight while the Reds play the Force at 9.35pm.
Report
- 77th Minute: Drua denied a try after a forward pass. Scrum to the Blues inside Drua territory.
- 70th minute: Drua penalised for overside inside their own 5 metre line. Barrett attempts a kick at goal and converts it successfully. Blues 30-14 Drua.
- 65th minute: Elia Canakaivata scores his second try for the Drua in the corner. Kemueli Valetini converts the try. Drua 14-27 Blues
- 58th minute: Joe Tamani replaces Vilive Miramira at flanker while Peni Matawalu comes in for Lomani at half back. Drua 7-27 Blues
- 54th Minute: Jone Tiko replaces Samuela Tawake for the Drua in the front row.
- 49th minute: Dalton Papali'i scores the Blues'third try to extend their lead. Barrett converts the try. Drua 7-27 Blues.
- 43rd minute: Another potential try gone begging for Drua after a forward pass from Frank Lomani. Drua applying the pressure. Drua 7-20 Blues.
- 38th minute: Cameron Suafoa scores the Blues' second try after a great run from the locks. Barrett converts the try. Drua 7-20 Blues.
- 36th minute: Blues penalised inside the Drua's territory. Drua kicks for touch. Drua 7-13- Blues
- 33rd minute: Elia Canakaivata scores a try for the Drua after great few phases of play. Tela converts the try. Drua 7-13 Blues.
- 32nd minute: Harry Plummer attempts a penalty shot at goal and was successful from 51 metres out after Drua was penalised. Blues extend their lead. Drua 0-13 Blues
- 27th minute: Rieko Ioane scores a try for the Blues to extend their lead. Barrett converts the try. Drua 0-10 Blues
- 24th minute: Drua's Elia Canakaivata penalised for a no arms tackle. Blues' Bauden Barrett converts a penalty at goal. Drua 0-3 Blues
- 19th minute: Potential Drua try gone begging after a great run from Ilaisa Droasese but knocked it on inside the Blues' 22 metre line. Scrum to the Blues. Drua 0-0 Blues
- 17th minute: Blues knocked the ball on again inside Drua's territory. Scrum to Drua. Drua 0-0 Blues
- 15th Minute: Great defence from the Drua forcing the Blues to commit handling errors. Drua 0-0 Blues
- DRUA 0-0 Blues
- 13th minute: Fijian Drua awarded a penalty. Teti Tela kicks to touch.
Kick-off!
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