Rob Penney's side went down 20-10 to equal their worst-ever start to a Super Rugby season in 1996.
Despite big changes in the close-season the five-time reigning champions entered the campaign as clear favourites but they are looking exposed both sides of the ball as they battle to plug gaps left by the high-profile departures of Richie Mo'unga, Sam Whitelock, Leicester Fainga'anuku, and injuries to Will Jordan and Leigh Halfpenny.
Their fortunes appeared to be changing when one of few remaining superstars Sevu Reece helped his side to a 10-0 lead, finishing off a good set-piece move. However, Drua were level at halftime thanks to a brilliant finish by winger Selestino Ravutaumada, who resisted the efforts of three scrambling defenders to score out wide.
The Islanders then turned to their tight game to grab the decisive try, scrum-half Frank Lomani showed good opportunism to dot down off the back of some bruising pick-and-goes. 10 points off the boot of fly-half Isaiah Ravulu also proved decisive, his 76th-minute penalty put the game out of reach to spark jubilant scenes.
Drua captain Meli Derenalagi knew the victory's importance to the home crowd, who have now witnessed back-to-back home wins against the almighty Crusaders. He said: "This win is for the fans who always back us up." The win was also vital in the context of Drua's season. They'd lost their first two games to the Blues and to Pacific rivals Moana Pasifika, so their first home game had added pressure.
This story is from the March 10, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 10, 2024 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Unbeaten Lymm put the Tykes on a leash
LYMM maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign, taking the major scalp of Leeds Tykes and ending the visitors' unblemished start.
Dramatic late win boosts leaders
A LAST-minute converted try saw Tonbridge Juddians snatch victory from the jaws of defeat at Barnes.
England need to be more consistent
I WAS at last week's game against the All Blacks and as much as I enjoyed my first visit to the stadium since the Six Nations, I couldn't help noticing a different attitude of those in control of the stadium's notification system which puts out messages to the crowd.
Cuthbert: Wales have to deliver
ALEX Cuthbert says the pressure on Wales is huge ahead of their opening Autumn Nations Series game against Fiji today.
Anyanwu heads the list of star attractions
TOP 14 transfer speculation is always thoroughly entertaining, and this season has so far been no exception.
Goldthorp can challenge Kildunne for No.15 spot
LOUGHBOROUGH Lightning head coach Nathan Smith is backing Fran Goldthorp to compete with Ellie Kildunne, right, for England's No.15 jersey.
Four-try David calls the shots for Bears
MILLIE David helped Bristol blow Leicester away after scoring four of their 10 tries at Welford Road.
Scott-Young keen to follow his father
TYPICAL of most Australians, Scott-Young Angus has fairly sunny disposition and the loose forward is confident that Saints can soon start to turn things around on the road.
When value for money is not part of the deal
ENGLAND'S bench strategy against New Zealand - goodbye \"bomb squad\", hello \"squib squad\"-has been investigated, psychoanalysed, convicted on all charges and mercilessly sentenced by the entire rugby world and its maiden aunt, so there is no earthly point in returning to the scene of the crime.
'I want to prove my worth to Bath'
OUT-OF-FAVOUR winger RuBath aridh McConnochie is hoping to use the Premiership Cup to lay down a challenge to Johann van Graan and make his selection claims impossible to ignore.
