Valetini's late double stuns the Hurricanes

TWO months after their shock win over the Crusaders, Fijian Drua slayed their second Kiwi powerhouse of the season as two late Kemu Valetini penalties saw them stun the Hurricanes 27-24 in Suva

- CAM STEPHENS

It was a tetchy first-half with Taniela Rakuro’s try opening the scoring for the Drua before Julian Savea crossed to narrow the margin.

After the break, Savea scored his second of the afternoon and his 60th Super Rugby try to move level with Israel Folau atop the all-time Super Rugby try scorers list.

But the Drua regained the lead almost immediately as Rakuro scored his second after a dazzling offload from Iosefo Masi in the build-up.

The Hurricanes then found their groove when Xavier Numia and Du’Plessis Kirifi scored within six minutes of each other. But Meli Derenalagi’s try brought the Drua back within three and set up a tantalising final period.

Valetini levelled the scores with a long-range penalty in the 75th minute before Hurricanes lock Isaia Walker-Leawere was shown a second yellow card for cynical play, setting up the match-winning opportunity.

Valetini made no mistake and Drua saw out the final two minutes to hold on before the Suva crowd erupted after another famous victory.

“To the crowd who came out in numbers, we could feel you today and that was for you too,” Drua captain Tevita Ikanivere said.