Drua’s playoffs hope is still alive despite 39-3 loss, race still wide open for 8th place

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s hope of securing a spot in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific playoffs is still alive despite their 39-3 loss to the Highlanders in Dunedin yesterday.

This is after the Force, who are in 9th place, suffered a heavy 59-13 loss to the Reds on Saturday, which sees them remain in the same spot and the Drua retaining their spot in 8th place.

The Drua will now need to win their final game against the Rebels this weekend in Lautoka to seal their place in the top 8.

Meanwhile, the top four teams have each secured a home quarter final while the bottom four will now fight for their standings in the last round.

The race for the 8th spot is still very much open for the Drua, the Force and defending champion, the Crusaders.

The Crusaders secured a much-needed bonus point victory last Saturday against the Blues, and another bonus point win against Moana Pasifika this Friday will have them hoping that the Rebels defeat the Drua and the Brumbies beat the Force so they could make it into the top 8.

A win for the Drua for the Drua this weekend will see them taking on either the Blues or the Hurricanes in the quarterfinals.

The Drua will take on the Rebels at 2.05pm this Saturday at Churchill Park, Lautoka in the final round of the competition.

In other matches this week, the Crusaders will play Moana Pasifika at 7.05pm Friday, the Waratahs host the Reds at 9.35pm Friday, the Hurricanes will take on the Highlanders at 4.35pm Saturday, the Blues will play the Chiefs at 7.05pm Saturday and the Force will host the Brumbies at 9.35pm Saturday.