The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will now need to win their last match against the Rebels on Saturday to book their place in the playoffs after being thrashed by the Highlanders 39-3 in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition this afternoon.
The Drua needed a win to seal their place in the playoffs, but the Highlanders put on the pressure to deny them the victory.
The three players with Fijian links playing for the Highlanders all crossed over the try line, with Jona Nareki having a double, while Timoci Tavatavanawai and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens scored a try each.
Highlanders fly-half Sam Gilbert added the extras by converting two penalties.
Nikora Broughton sealed the Highlanders victory with a try in the 77th minute.
The Drua’s points came from the boot of fly-half Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, who became the second Drua player to reach 100 Super Rugby points.
Fullback Ilaisa Droasese was given a yellow card for intentionally knocking on the ball in the 79th minute.
The Highlanders have sealed their place in the quarter finals after their win, while the Drua remains in eighth place.
The Drua will now contest the final spot for the playoffs against the Force and the Crusaders, who are both sitting with 19 points, in the final round-robin matches next week.
The Drua play the Rebels at 2.05pm Saturday in Lautoka.
