Sydney [Australia], April 12: The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua pulled off an impressive victory in their Shop N Save Super Rugby clash against the Western Force after beating them 24-22 at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The Drua had a shaky start after flanker Etonia Waqa was sent to the sin bin early, just metres from their own try line.
The visitors capitalised immediately, scoring from a rolling maul off a lineout, with prop Misinale Epenisa crossing over to give them a 7-0 lead.
The Drua gradually worked their way into the Force's half and, following a series of pick-and-drive phases, prop Haeriti Hetet powered over to level the scores at 7-7.
After a strong defensive spell over the next 20 minutes, the Drua struck again.
A well-executed set piece saw fly-half Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula dive over, handing the hosts a 14-7 advantage.
Quick hands and slick passing then led to another try, with fullback Isikeli Rabitu finishing off a flowing move to extend the lead to 19-7.
The Force responded strongly after the break, scoring in the right corner from a scrum set piece to narrow the margin to 19-12.
They continued to apply pressure and crossed again in the 58th minute, cutting the deficit to just two points at 19-17.
Momentum briefly swung back to the Drua when debutant winger Isikeli Basiyalo intercepted a pass in the 60th minute and raced away to score, extending the lead to 24-17.
However, the Drua were soon reduced to 14 men after winger Ilaisa Droasese was shown a yellow card.
The visitors took advantage, scoring from another driving maul off a lineout close to the line to bring the score to 24-22.
The Force had a late chance to snatch the lead with a long-range penalty attempt from beyond the 50-metre mark, but the kick sailed wide.
The Drua held firm in the closing moments, defending resolutely until the final hooter to secure the hard-fought victory.
Source: Fijian Broadcasting Corporation