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 for their first-ever win against a New Zealand side.
Kemu Valetini was the hero as the substitute flyhalf kicked the winning penalty in the 83rd minute and instantly etched his name into 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 twopoint lead as the clock wound down.
But Valetini's penalty after the siren sent the packed Fijian crowd into a frenzy and secured one of the biggest and most important wins in Super Rugby 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 tawase 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 McDonit 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 seaald's side a 22-5 lead at half-time, but two tries from the Canes brought the difference to within one score.
Some desperate goalline 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 son 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.
However, the Tahs looked rejuvenated after half-time, scoring twice through Mark Nawaqaniin 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 score held off the threat of a Reds comeback and leaves the Brumbies second on the ladder, three points adrift of the Chiefs.
Western Force finished off a memorable round, with former Leicester full back Bryce Hegarty slotting an 82nd-minute match-winning penalty to break the hearts of Moana Pasifika and record a chaotic 21-18 victory.
