Barrett hails Drua’s defence

Fijian Drua assistant coach Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani said it right, that there was no better time for the Drua to turn things around but against the Hurricanes.

The Frank Lomani captained side defi ed all odds to upset the Hurricanes 25-20 at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

This was the Drua’s first win in the 2026 season after losing to Moana Pasifi ka 40-26 and NSW Waratahs 36-13.

Hurricanes captain and All Blacks second five eighth Jordie Barrett said playing under such wet conditions, the toughest thing for them was holding on to the ball.

“It was disappointing that we had a number of opportunities but could not use it,” he said.

“The Drua was very disciplined in their defence and they didn’t al-low us into the corners.”

Barrett said the reason he opted for the penalty in the second half was to increase their lead to seven points and for them to take things from there but unfortunately, they couldn’t.

He also highlighted that they have now turned their focus on their next opponent, which will be the NSW Waratahs.

“They are very good side and had been at the top of the table. It’ll be a good challenge.

“For the Hurricanes, we’re still building and learning a lot as we keep on going.”

What happened?

The hosts took a 3-0 lead in the third minute when Hurricanes lock Warner Dearns was penalised for being offside and Drua fi rst fi ve-eighth Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula kicked it over.

The visitors took the control of the game with their quick taps that saw the Drua struggling to fall back.

In the 11th minute Hurricanes centre Billy Proctor in a such move, spun the ball wide to an unmarked Fehi Fineanganofo to stroll over for a try in the corner. Barrett failed to convert as they settled for a 5-3 lead.

The Drua players threw their bodies on the line as they defended desperately against the visitors.

From a lineout close to the Drua try-line, the Hurricanes pushed their way over with fl anker Peter Lakai touching down. The conver-sion missed as they extended their lead to 10-3.

Then Drua second-five eighth Isikeli Rabitu had to leave the fi eld and replacement Inia Tabuavou added the missing thrust in mid-fi eld.

In the 30th minute, the Drua spun the ball around with Tabuavou, Elia Canakaivata, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Zuriel Togiata-ma and Haereiti Hetet featuring prominently with their strong carries.

Close to the try-line, flanker Motikiai Murray was able to crash over for a try with Ravula adding the extras to level the scores 10-10.

Their joy was short-lived as the Hurricanes struck back with a try to Proctor while Barrett converted for a 17-10 lead.

In the 37th minute, Ravula narrowed the deficit to 17-13 at half-time after kicking over his second penalty.

The Hurricanes extended their lead to 20-13 in the 47th minute when Barrett kicked over a long range penalty after Ilaisa Droasese was penalised for tackling a player in the air.

The Drua struck again in the 49th minute when centre Tuidraki Samusamuvodre intercepted a pass from Josh Moorby to score under-neath the post. Ravula converted to level the scores at 20-20.

In the 64th minute Ravula again floated a long pass to prop Peni Ravai who drew one defender and offloaded to Etonia Waqa to score the winning try in the corner, which was not converted as they led 25-20.

The Drua will be having a bye this weekend and will host the Brumbies on Saturday, March 14, at Go-vind Park in Ba.