Home Fortress: Fijian Drua Overpower Highlanders in Historic Ba Encounter

The Fijian Drua secure their first-ever Super Rugby Pacific win over the Highlanders with a 24-14 result in Ba, boosting their playoff hopes while denting the visitors' chances.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 2, 2026, 4:22 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Second-Half Surge Defines the Contest

The match was a tale of two halves, with the Highlanders initially adapting better to the stifling heat to lead 14-12 at the break. However, the momentum shifted decisively within the first eight minutes of the second period. The Drua emerged from the locker room with renewed tactical focus, crossing the line twice in quick succession to take a 10-point lead. These scores proved to be the final points of the match, as the visitors struggled with frequent handling errors and turnovers under the relentless pressure of the Fijian defensive line and the oppressive humidity.

Milestone Achievement for Elia Canakaivata

A significant highlight of the afternoon was the performance of No. 8 Elia Canakaivata, who celebrated his 50th Super Rugby Pacific cap for the Drua. Fittingly, Canakaivata marked the milestone with a crucial try, further cementing his status as a cornerstone of the Fijian forward pack. His work rate and leadership at the base of the scrum provided the platform for halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and young playmaker Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula to dictate play during the critical third quarter of the match.

Playoff Implications and the "Logjam" on the Table

The 2026 Super Rugby Pacific ladder has become remarkably congested following this result. The Drua, Highlanders, and Waratahs all sit on 20 competition points, trailing the sixth-placed Queensland Reds by just three points. This "logjam" ensures that every remaining fixture will carry significant weight. The Highlanders now return home to Dunedin for a high-stakes clash against the Waratahs next weekend—a match that could effectively serve as a knockout fixture. Conversely, the Drua head into a well-earned bye week with momentum and their postseason destiny largely in their own hands.