A Churchill Park, Lautoka: Chiefs 35 (Angus Ta’avao 14 min, Bryn Gatland 21 min, Emoni Narawa 40 min, 53 min, penalty 66 min; Bryn Gatland 4 against) Fijian Drua 34 (Apisalome Vote, Kalavou 75 min, 75 min. test 70min, Timoci Sauvoli test 79min; Teti Tela 4 with, 2 pen). HT: 21-7.
With a big sigh of relief, the Chiefs have secured a quarter-final of Super Rugby Pacific at home after facing a lively Fiji Drua in Lautoka on Saturday.
In front of a crowd of about 11,000 spectators at Churchill Park, in what was the city’s first Super Footy tasting, visitors clung to a late Drua attack, to win 35-34 in its final round. contest.
The Drua had been beaten in their two Kiwi matches over the past three weeks, but they are a completely different proposition at home, lighting up their vibrant fans, some even on nearby rooftops, with their pre-Na Bole challenge , and no. let go, roaring to a victory point after making three attempts in the last 10 minutes.
Pita Simpson / Getty Images
Angus Ta’avao takes over in the Chiefs’ victory over the Fiji Drua at Lautoka.
As for a playoff game for the quarterfinals, it was an exact mix of what the Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan would have wanted, and exactly what he would not have wanted, such was his physique and intensity. which Drua contributed, with nothing to lose. to the contest, added to the displacement it entails and the threatening nature of the conditions.
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The fierce heat made it important to save breath, and after a few swift runs, he slipped and slithered in the wet grass. His usual rapid runs were nowhere to be seen today. I know they had at least one playoff game at home.
Maybe there were even a few smiles from the fans as Fijian Chiefs winger Emoni Narawa approached each of his two attempts, while it was also a happy return home for the Lautoka-born and raised man. number 8 Pita Gus Sowakula, who had a lot of family between them. the crowd.
All Blacks blocker Brodie Retallick showed good signs after a nine-week low with a broken thumb, got involved early on and was a clear leader in defensive work around the sidelines. However, he endured a horror football-style passing moment where his hack flew to his own test line and allowed the Drua to open his account for half an hour.
So far, however, the Chiefs, despite not taking advantage of a couple of early chances, had secured a 14-0 lead in the quarterfinals.
Angus Ta’avao grabbed a magnificent ball from Bryn Gatland and loaded 20 yards, while Josh Ioane, after being one of the first participants of Kaleb Trask, who missed an HIA, threw a 50-22 and Gatland was launched to double the lead. .
Rameka Poihipi did not catch one, but two of his huge 50-22 and, behind the second, Narawa finished well in the corner and the Chiefs took a 21-7 lead at the break.
The Drua reduced the lead with two penalty goals early in the second half, but Narawa got his double and then a penalty try thanks to an almost push-over scrum shunt gave the Chiefs a 22-point lead. .
And they didn’t end up needing it, as despite three attempts in the last 10 minutes, including an impressive 100-meter effort started by Vinaya Habosi and finished by Apisalome Vota, the Drua’s late rise turned out to be too late.
The big moment
66 minutes into the game, Drua were awarded a penalty that Drua turned into 3 – 0 without a problem.
Match rating
8/10: The slippery ball caused a lot of handling problems, but with an absolutely electric atmosphere, the Drua never said he was dying and got an exciting ending. Bring them next year.
The big picture
The Chiefs have moved to third place, at least for now, one point ahead of the Brumbies, who play against Moana Pasifika in Auckland on Saturday night. With their bonus point, the Druas confirm an 11th (penultimate) place in their debut season.
MVP
With the absence of co-captain Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson wore the No. 7 jersey and was instrumental in closing some of Fiji’s quick feet, making 16 tackles (one foul), in addition to getting a maximum of two. rotations.