Rugby: Drua sunk at home as Blues dominate
Photo:
Joel Carrett / www.photosport.nz
Fullback Selesitioni Ravutaumada saved face for the Fijian Drua at home on Friday night.
The fans made their statement on the grandstand and embankment, Suva's National Stadium only half-filled, as the Blues of Auckland thumped the Drua 34-5 on a wet and cold Laucala evening.
Ravutaumada scored a try in the final stages of the Super Rugby Pacific clash, as the home side scrapped home to break the egg in front of their disappointed fans.
On the other hand, the defending champions were too clinical and powerful in their display. The Blues jumped to fifth spot in the standings, and showed glimpses of their 2024 form, which gave them the title at Eden Park in last year's final.
Drua captain Mesake Doge said they just could not get their act together.
"It was disappointing for us and I know the boys are feeling it," were his first words, reacting to the loss. "Especially here at home, in front of our home crowd. The Blues came out fighting and were better tonight."
The loss meant any hopes of a Drua fightback to secure top six were over, buried in the Laucala mud.
The Fijians only have two more matches in the regular season. They host the Western Force next weekend, before travelling to take on the Reds in Brisbane the week after.
There were hopes of a home victory following the team's win over the Reds at the same venue the weekend earlier.
It was hoped the victory would have been a Mother's Day gift for Fiji's mums, as the country celebrates the special day on Sunday. Unfortunately the Blues had other plans, getting to work early through flyhalf Beauden Barrett.
The night also saw the return to form of the Blues' Fijian heritage player, Hoskins Sotutu. Son of former Flying Fijians, Waisake - the number eight - displayed a performance that signalled he was slowly returning to the form that saw him dominate the 2024 season.
The 26-year-old was in almost all phases of the visitors' game, making line breaks, stealing possession in the breakdown, assisting with tries and steady in the D-line. He finished the night with 10 carries and 10 tackles, without a miss.
The Blues now prepare for Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday night, while the Drua will host the Force in Lautoka next weekend.
Meanwhile in another clash on Friday night, the Reds consolidated their spot at the top, sitting comfortably in fourth position after a good win over the Waratahs in Sydney.
The Queensland Reds managed to end the Waratahs' home ground winning streak with a 28-21 victory.
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