Super Rugby - Round 3 Review
The Fijian Drua produced one of the greatest upsets in Super Rugby history as they stunned the Crusaders 25-24 in front of a crazed Fijian crowd.
Kemu Valetini was the hero as the substitute fly-half kicked the winning penalty in the 83rd minute and instantly etched his name in Super Rugby folklore.
After the Crusaders jumped out to a 12-point lead to start the game, the hosts, playing their first of six games in Fiji this season, began to sparkle and Iosefo Masi’s slick scoop and score from a Crusaders knock on gave Mick Byrne’s side a shot of momentum going into the break.
Ilaisa Droasese’s try drew the scores level before Joseva Tamani and Eroni Sau crossed to give the Drua a ten-point advantage heading into the final ten minutes.
However, two late scores from Sevu Reece and Ioane Moananu threatened to spoil the party and gave the reigning champions a two-point lead as the clock wound down.
But Valetini’s penalty after the siren sent the packed Fijian crowd into a frenzy and secured the Drua’s first-ever win against a New Zealand side and one of the most important in tournament history.
Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere said: “We had the belief we could do it and we came and defeated a great Crusaders team, who have been winning for six years in a row and what better way to do it by doing it in front of our home crowd.”
The decision to rest key players, including All Black stars Richie Mo’unga and Codie Taylor, proved costly for Scott Robertson’s side, who now have just one win in their opening three games.
The Melbourne Rebels continued the theme of upsets as they recorded their first win of the season in an impressive 34-27 victory against the Waratahs.
First-half tries from Reece Hodge, Lachie Anderson and Richard Hardwick capitalised on the Waratahs’ error-ridden start and gave the hosts an 11-point lead at the break.
The Tahs looked rejuvenated after half-time, scoring twice through Mark Nawaqanitawase and Charlie Gamble to take the lead.
But an outrageous show and go score from prop Matt Gibbon was followed by a Carter Gordon try to secure an important win for Kevin Foote’s side.
Elsewhere, the Blues got back to winning ways as they beat the Hurricanes 25-19 in an entertaining affair.
A first-half blitz gave Leon MacDonald’s side a 22-5 lead at half-time, but two tries from the Canes brought the difference to within one score.
Some desperate goal line defence in the final stages secured the win for the Blues and left Hurricanes star Ardie Savea – who served a one game suspension following his throat-slit gesture – looking on from the stands with his head in his hands as his side lost their first game of the season.
The Chiefs continued their imperious form to start the season, recording their third straight bonus-point win, as they cruised past the Highlanders 28-7 in Waikato behind Shaun Stevenson’s statement performance.
A slow first-half featured only one try which came through Chiefs winger Etene Nanai-Seturo before a Damian McKenzie penalty stretched the lead to ten going into the break.
Stevenson would then come alive in the second half as he scored a double and injected himself into almost every attacking set, sparking more debate around his potential All Black selection.
The Chiefs’ red-hot start leaves them at the top of the Super Rugby table for the first time in three years.
The Brumbies also maintained their perfect start to the new season after a narrow 23-17 victory over the Reds, their longstanding Australian rivals.
A Nic White try was accompanied by eight points from the boot of Noah Lolesio to give the hosts a 13-0 lead at half-time.
Lachie Lonergan’s second half try held off the threat of a Reds comeback and leaves the Brumbies second on the ladder, three points adrift of the Chiefs.
The Western Force finished off a memorable round by slotting an 82nd minute match-winning penalty to break the hearts of Moana Pasifika and record a chaotic 21-18 win.
It was a wild start as Moana Pasifika centre Fine Inisi finished off an offload-fuelled and stunning end-to-end try inside the first minute.
The two sides continued to trade points throughout and shared five cards between them, including one red card apiece, entering the final stages.
Despite Bryce Hegarty missing a long-range penalty minutes earlier, he was given a second chance after the Force demolished the Moana Pasifika scrum to earn penalty and allowed the fly-half to slot the winner after the siren.