The Highlanders have held off a second-half comeback for a 43-20 win over the Fijian Drua.
The hosts started and finished the game emphatically but had to survive a fierce comeback from the Fijians to claim maximum points.
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25-year-old winger Taniela Filimone had a dream debut to Super Rugby action for the hosts.
The Tongan international scored twice, including from one of his first touches in Super Rugby when Jona Nareki burst through the line inside two minutes.
He added his second in the 12th minute as the Highlanders kept the pressure on the Drua throughout the first half.
The Drua held out and eventually had their first points through Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula’s boot.
But Thomas Umaga-Jensen’s try at half-time threatened to blow open the game before the visitors rallied.
Isikeli Rabitu got the Drua off to the perfect start in the second half, only to be answered by Fijian-born Highlanders backrower Veveni Lasaqa.
This failed to quell their spirit for the time being, as Simione Kuruvoli backed up Inia Tabuavou’s break for the five-pointer.
Ponipate Loganimasi then produced a special play to reduce the margin to four. The former Sevens star collected the ball at halfway before grubbering and recollecting for a crucial try.
At this point, the Drua were full of running, but their momentum was halted when Kuruvoli went to the bin for a deliberate knockdown.
Hooker Jack Taylor crossed for the hosts a minute after the yellow card and the Highlanders used this shift to close out the game.
Tanielu Tele’a crossed with six minutes to go before Sam Gilbert ensured full points with a last minute try.
The win sees the Highlanders maintain pace with the top six, sitting two points behind the Brumbies in seventh place.
Meanwhile, the Drua’s tough season continues as they prepare to face the NSW Waratahs next week in Lautoka.
