Drua suffer fourth loss after 40-15 defeat to Blues

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua suffered their fourth loss of the season after going down 40-15 to the Blues in round 7 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific at Eden Park in Auckland.

The Blues opened the scoring early with a try from number 8 Malachi Wrampling-Alec to lead 7-0.

The Drua bounced back with a try to Etonia Waqa to level the scores at 7-all, but the Blues responded with a converted try to hooker Bradley Slatter.

The first half was closely contested as both teams hunted for points, with the Drua applying pressure and getting close to the Blues’ try line.

However, they repeatedly lost possession near the line, which frustrated fans.

The Drua continued to apply pressure, and Kitione Salawa had a chance to put them ahead, but he knocked the ball on just inches from the try line.

With a few minutes remaining before halftime, the Drua executed another strong play that resulted in a try to Mesake Vocevoce to close the gap to 14-12 at the break.

Kemu Valetini converted a penalty after halftime to put the Drua ahead, but minutes later, Slatter scored his second try to give the Blues a 21-15 lead.

The Blues went on to score three more tries to seal the win and claim the Joeli Vidiri Memorial Trophy.

The Drua will regroup and travel to Christchurch to face the Crusaders next Friday at 6.05pm.