Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson said there were many positives gained from their 43-20 loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday night.
Trailing 17-3 at halftime, the Drua came back stronger in the second half to score three tries and at one stage trailed 20-24.
Co-captain Mesulame Dolokoto said the message at halftime from the coaches was to give it a go.
“Keep on trying and that was what we did,” he said.
“We’ll meet up on Monday and yes we’ll keep on trying. I told the boys not to lose the joy of playing and that is what we’re bringing to the Waratahs.”
What happened
The hosts started and finished the game emphatically but had to survive a fierce comeback from the Fijians to claim maximum points.
Winger Taniela Filimone, 25, had a dream debut to Super Rugby action for the hosts.
The Tongan international scored twice, including from one of his first touches in Super Rugby when Jona Nareki burst through the line inside two minutes.
He added his second in the 12th minute as the Highlanders kept the pressure on the Drua throughout the first half.
The Drua held out and eventually had their first points through Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula’s boot.
But Thomas Umaga-Jensen’s try at half-time threatened to blow open the game before the visitors rallied.
Isikeli Rabitu got the Drua off to the perfect start in the second half, only to be answered by Fijian-born Highlanders backrower Veveni Lasaqa.
This failed to quell their spirit for the time being, as Simione Kuruvoli backed up Inia Tabuavou’s break for the five-pointer.
Ponipate Loganimasi then produced a special play to reduce the margin to four.
The former Sevens star collected the ball at halfway before grubbering and recollecting for a crucial try.
At this point, the Drua were full of running, but their momentum was halted when Kuruvoli went to the bin for a deliberate knockdown.
Hooker Jack Taylor crossed for the hosts a minute after the yellow card and the Highlanders used this shift to close out the game.
Tanielu Tele’a crossed with six minutes to go before Sam Gilbert ensured full points with a last minute try.
The win sees the Highlanders maintain pace with the top six, sitting two points behind the Brumbies in seventh place.
Meanwhile, the Drua’s tough season continues as they prepare to face the NSW Waratahs, this Saturday in Lautoka.
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj
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