The Highlanders defeated Fijian Drua 43-20 at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, snapping their four-game losing streak, in front of a 12,229 crowd. It was their third win of the Super Rugby Pacific season.Debutant Taniela Filimone scored two tries, and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens returned from injury with three try assists. The Drua suffered their 20th consecutive away defeat, and remained last in the standings. The Highlanders' victory moves them to seventh place.The Highlanders utilised a kicking strategy to keep the Drua pinned in their own half. This tactic proved effective, as the Drua struggled with errors, particularly in the first half. The match also marked the return of fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens from a neck fracture.Filimone's first try came within two minutes of the match starting, capitalizing on a Drua knock-on from the kickoff. He quickly added a second try. The Drua's first attacking opportunity came after 32 minutes, thwarted by a strong tackle.Thomas Umaga-Jensen scored just before halftime, giving the Highlanders a 17-3 lead. The Drua started the second half strong with a try from Isikeli Rabitu within the first minute. The Highlanders responded with a try from Viveni Lasaqa.The Drua then scored back-to-back tries from Simione Kuruvoli and Ponipate Longanimasi, narrowing the gap to four points. However, a crucial turnover led to Kuruvoli being sin-binned, and the Highlanders capitalized with Jack Taylor's first career try.Late tries from Tanielu Tele’a and Sam Gilbert secured the win for the Highlanders. The Highlanders now face the Chiefs in their next match, while the Drua host the Waratahs in Lautoka.The Highlanders’ tries were scored by Taniela Filimone (2), Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Viveni Lasaqa, Jack Taylor, Tanielu Tele’a, and Sam Gilbert. Cameron Millar added three conversions. The Drua's tries came from Isikeli Rabitu, Simione Kuruvoli, and Ponipate Longanimasi. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula contributed a conversion and a penalty.The Highlanders’ game plan of kicking and pinning the Drua in their half proved effective. The Drua’s errors, particularly in the first half, contributed to their loss. The return of Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens provided a boost to the Highlanders’ attack.Filimone's debut performance was a highlight for the Highlanders. The Drua showed resilience in the second half, but ultimately couldn't overcome their errors and the Highlanders' strong finish.