Super Rugby Pacific Blues have kept pace with the top four with a 30-14 win over the Fijian Drua in Fiji.
It’s the first time the Drua have been defeat at home in 2023 as Leon McDonald’s men get their third win in a row. Both teams struggled with handling errors in the hot and humid conditions, having to wait 25 minutes until the first points via Beauden Barrett’s boot.
Rieko Ioane opened the try-scoring for the Blues two minutes later as they kicked clear for a 13-0 lead before number eight Elia Canakaivata got the crowd on their feet after a mistake from the kick-off. Blues vs Fijian Drua Super Rugby Pacific Round 1 at Semenoff Stadium
Blues v Fijian Drua Preview
Canakaivata’s effort was instantly answered by a tackle-busting charge from lock Cameron Suafoa, giving the Blues a 13-point half-time advantage. Dalton Papalii made a successful return from injury to help close the game out for the visitors.
He powered over from close to punish an ill-disciplined performance from the hosts to push the game beyond reach. It caps off a dramatic week for coach Leon McDonald, who was named All Blacks assistant coach for 2024, turning his focus towards next week’s clash with Moana Pasifika.
As for the Drua, they will be hungry for victory against the Hurricanes at HCF Bank Stadium, sitting two points outside the top eight.
For the last four years, the Blues have been very consistent in Super Rugby. They won 10 of their 14 games to take third place in the standings the previous season. The Blues showed confidence in their quarter-final match, winning 41–12 in Auckland against the Waratahs. But the following week, they suffered a setback as the Crusaders in Christchurch soundly defeated them 52–15.
Both clubs prefer to play in an attacking manner, so this should be an exciting game. Even though the Blues have a significant advantage in this encounter, the Fijian Drua have shown that they are a tough opponent. I’m thinking this will be a high-scoring match at Eden Park, and the Drua should do well given the 17-point handicap. In addition, I am rooting for Mark Telea in the try-scoring markets because of his outstanding performance from the previous campaign.
Fijian Drua vs Blues: Blues brave heat to defeat Fijian Drua
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Eroni Sau, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese
RESERVES: Mesulame Dolokoto, Emosi Tuqiri, Jone Tiko, Chris Minimbi, Joseva Tamani, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Apisalome Vota
BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tuungafasi, Soane Vikena, Marcel Renata, Cameron Suafoa, Sam Darry, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papalii (c), Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan
RESERVES: Ricky Riccitelli, Jordan Lay, James Lay, James Tucker, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees: Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw