NEWS:”Impressive Performances of Highlanders Players Toni Pulu and Samisoni Taukei’aho in Their…Read more
Super Rugby Pacific Thriller: Highlanders’ Nareki and Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens Shine in Stunning Rout of Drua
The Highlanders secured a decisive 39-3 victory over the Fijian Drua on Sunday afternoon, crucial for quarter-final qualification in the contest between the 7th and 8th placed teams.
With young No 10 Ajay Faleafaga starting again, the Highlanders’ outside backs dominated, leading to an 18-0 advantage by halftime.
Tries from outside backs Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Jona Nareki, along with two conversions and two penalties by Sam Gilbert, solidified the Highlanders’ lead.
The scoring began just five minutes in with a well-executed set-piece, culminating in Nareki scoring in the corner after a final pass from Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens.
Nareki also set up the second try, breaking through multiple defenders from a scrum play before assisting his fullback.
The Fijian Drua halted the scoring briefly with a penalty kick by Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula early in the second half, but the Highlanders quickly responded with Jona Nareki’s second try.
Following a set play initiated by prop Ethan de Groot, Nareki scored from close range a few phases later, extending the lead to 25-3, with halfback Folau Fakatava controlling the play from the ruck.
Next, Timoci Tavatavanawai, born in Fiji, joined the action, teaming up with Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens for a one-two pass after a cross-field kick from second five Sam Gilbert. The right wing caught the kick and passed inside to the fullback, who then passed back to Tavatavanawai for a powerful finish, increasing the lead to 32-3.
Iosefo Masi, one of the standout centres in the competition, sparked a Drua counterattack with a long break into the Highlanders’ 22. However, a high tackle gave the Drua a chance to kick to the corner and attack, but Nikora Broughton won a ruck penalty, ending the opportunity.
NEWS
Nareki and Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens star as Highlanders thump Drua
By Ben Smith, 1 hour ago
Timoci Tavatavanawai of the Highlanders celebrates after scoring a try during the round 14 Super Rugby Pacific match between Highlanders and Fijian Drua at Forsyth Barr Stadium, on May 26, 2024, in Dunedin, New Zealand.
The Highlanders secured a dominant 39-3 victory over the Fijian Drua on Sunday afternoon in a critical match between the 7th and 8th placed teams, securing their spot in the quarter-finals.
With young No 10 Ajay Faleafaga starting, the Highlanders’ outside backs excelled, establishing an 18-0 lead by halftime. Tries by Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens and Jona Nareki, along with two conversions and two penalties from Sam Gilbert, provided a comfortable lead.
The scoring began five minutes in with a smooth set-piece play, where Nareki scored in the corner after a pass from Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens. Nareki then set up the second try, breaking through defenders from a scrum before assisting his fullback.
The Fijian Drua briefly stemmed the tide with a penalty by Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula early in the second half, but the Highlanders quickly responded with Nareki’s second try. Following a set play initiated by prop Ethan de Groot, Nareki scored from close range, extending the lead to 25-3 with halfback Folau Fakatava controlling the play.
Timoci Tavatavanawai joined the action, combining with Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens for a one-two pass after a cross-field kick from Sam Gilbert. The right wing caught the kick and passed inside to the fullback, who then returned the ball to Tavatavanawai for a powerful finish, pushing the lead to 32-3.
Iosefo Masi sparked a Drua response with a long break into the Highlanders’ 22, but a high tackle and subsequent ruck penalty won by Nikora Broughton halted their momentum. A lineout maul shortly after was also stopped, ending any hopes of a comeback with 15 minutes to play.
The Highlanders created more opportunities in the final quarter, with Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens involved, but lacked the finishing touch. Reserve forward Broughton capped the performance with a brilliant intercept try, extending the lead to 39-3. A late yellow card to Drua fullback Ilaisa Droasese for knocking down a pass sealed the game.
The Highlanders’ strong set-piece play laid the foundation for their backs, with a 100% lineout success rate and 89% at the scrum. Sean Withy led the forwards with three turnovers, and Folau Fakatava made a significant defensive impact in his 50th Super Rugby match.
The Drua will return to Fiji to face the Rebels at Churchill Park, while the Highlanders will travel to play a crucial match against the Hurricanes, having secured a playoff spot.
COMMENTS
