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Watch: Fijian Drua leave it late in historic win over Crusaders
The Fijian Drua’s historic win over defending Super Rugby Pacific champions the Crusaders at Churchill Park couldn’t have been scripted any better.
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Playing in front of their home fans for the first time this season, the Drua left it late to beat the decorated New Zealand franchise 25-24 in Lautoka.
It all came down to one moment, a moment that will replayed time and time again by Fijian rugby fans around the world.
Debutant Kemi Valetini, the older brother of world-class Wallabies No. 8 Rob, kicked a penalty goal after the siren to give his side a thrilling one-point win.
The significance of the kick brought on feelings of sweet, sweet victory for the Drua players, coaches and their vibrant supporters. This result simply meant more, and that become very clear after Valetini’s clutch penalty in the 83rd minute.
Incredible scenes in Lautoka 🤯
The kick that gave @Fijian_Drua a historic win over the Crusaders!
📽 @SuperRugby pic.twitter.com/gpcKwacsfi
— World Rugby (@WorldRugby) March 11, 2023
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After losing their opening match of the season against the Chiefs, the Crusaders bounced back with a vintage display against South Island rivals the Highlanders in Super Round.
The champion team had seemingly found their mojo after an early season shock, and were undoubtedly eager to back that performance up with another win in Fiji.
Crusaders captain Scott Barrett played his 100th match for the decorated Super Rugby franchise, and was just one of seven players to have retained his spot in the starting XV.
Without All Blacks Mitchell Drummond and Richie Mo’unga in the halves, the Crusaders overcame a nervy start to race out to a commanding lead.
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Hooker Quentin MacDonald reaped the rewards of the Crusaders rampaging rolling maul in both the 11th and 22nd minutes, as the visitors raced out to 12-nil lead.
While the Drua hit back through rising star Iosefo Masi shortly after – and nearly levelled the scores before the break – the Crusaders went into sheds at half-time in control.
But there was just something in the air today. An upset was brewing – the possibly of an all-time shock result appeared to be on the cards.
Fullback Ilaisa Droasese helped the Drua level the score at 12-all with a try early in the second-half, before the hosts took the lead through loose forward Joseva Tamani.
Eroni Sau scored a try in the left corner with 13 minutes to play, which had seemingly iced the game for the hosts. They appeared to be on the cusp of an incredible victory.
But tries to Sevu Reece and Ioane Moananu, as well as a clutch sideline conversion from Fergus Burke, saw the Crusaders take the lead with less than a minute to run on the clock.
But never say never.
The Drua won the ball back from the kick-off, and caught the Crusaders out as they unleashed an attacking onslaught on the defending champions.
Playing with the penalty advantage, the Drua attempted a drop kick but the attempt went wide left.
So, as if it were a Hollywood movie, a debutant stepped up and kicked a penalty goal.
The very definition of a fairytale finish.
Comments on RugbyPass
100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
1 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
7 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
7 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
8 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
7 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
12 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
7 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
8 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
8 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
12 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
12 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
7 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
8 Go to commentsBlackadder but no Finau! 😀 It’s Razor so you are probably right, plus Taylor at 2…
12 Go to commentsThe strongest possible AB side would actually include Aaron Smith, Bodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Shannon Frizzel.. don’t get me started on the rest of the injury hit brigade that got flung on the heap so left. Many a whole not getting filled as of yet.
12 Go to commentsI don’t think anyone knows what Schmidt will do, one thing is certain it ain’t gonna be all the picks we on the keyboard will think. My impression of him is that he will be looking at who can step up and what is the best combination. He will ignore individuals as he looks for guys who can build a powerful team and not just guys who can make a flashy run or ignore the winger as they want to score themselves.
7 Go to commentsSome dumb selections there. Not Porecki Not Donaldson Not Gordon Not Lonegran - both Not Nic White - Fines instead Not Liam Wright Not Paisami Definitely not Vunivalu Other than that not bad.
7 Go to commentsI've never been convinced that Patty T is a test match all black. Otherwise I probably agree it's the best side available to beat the poms. Caveat that Codie Taylor is yet to be seen and could very likely warrant selection by June. I hope that Razor brings the young loosies, half backs and locks into the training squad and develops/ selects the best
12 Go to comments