Veteran Highlanders halfback Aaron Smith controlled play and exploited loopholes in the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua defence, as they romped to a 57-24 win in Dunedin, yesterday afternoon.

“We had to put plans in place as we were aware of what the Drua can do,” the All Blacks Test centurion said of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash

“We had to be playing our game.”

Smith set the pace of the game varying his passes and at times he deliberately slowed the tempo just to frustrate the Fijians.

The Drua lacked someone of Smith’s caliber to manage their game.

First-five eight Kemu Valetini had to be replaced early in the first half for a number of errors and one led to the Highlanders fourth try.

Poor discipline resulted in the Drua losing possession in the turnovers and were not committed to the breakdown.

Highlanders led 33-12 at halftime with Drua’s tries coming from Frank Lomani and Taniela Rakuro while Valetini landed the conversion.

In the second half hooker Tevita Ikanivere scored the third, which was converted before Lomani dotted down his second try of the match. Replacement backrower, Elia Canakaivata, was yellow carded for reckless play.

Story By: Leone Cabenatabua

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