The Fijian Drua have kept their Super Rugby Pacific finals hopes alive after securing a historic first-ever victory over the Highlanders with a 24-14 triumph in Ba.
After trailing 14-12 at halftime, the Drua took control early in the second spell with two quick tries, while the Highlanders struggled in the humid conditions and were plagued by repeated handling errors and turnovers.
The home side pushed for a late bonus-point try in front of a vocal crowd but were denied in the closing moments by a knock-on before fulltime.
The result leaves the Drua, Highlanders and New South Wales Waratahs level on 20 competition points, with the Highlanders now facing a crucial clash against the Tahs next weekend.
