IN his 50th appearance for Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, openside flanker Kitione Salawa delivered a memorable standout performance, though it was not enough to prevent his side from suffering a narrow 19-15 defeat against the Western Force at HBF Park.
In a match the Drua needed to win to end their season on a high, Salawa led by example with a relentless work rate that never wavered throughout the full 80 minutes.
The Namotomoto Nadi enforcer crossed for the Drua’s opening try in the 16th minute following a series of strong attacking phases close to the line, bringing the Drua back into contention after the Force had made the brighter start.
From there, Salawa continued to dominate both offensively and defensively.
He made a crucial try-saving tackle on Force hooker Nic Dolly near the line, persistently disrupted the breakdown battle, and finished the match with three vital turnovers in another commanding display at openside flanker.
At times, Salawa resembled a one-man wrecking crew for the Drua, carrying hard into contact and applying relentless defensive pressure as the visitors held a 12-7 lead at halftime.
However, the Force came back fighting in the second half, capitalising on a controversial late try by winger Zac Lomax.
Drua players and supporters were left frustrated over a suspected forward pass to Lomax, but officials deemed the try legal, which ultimately sealed the result.
The defeat officially ended any hopes for the Drua in the finals, while the Force also missed out on a playoff spot after failing to secure a bonus point victory.
Despite the disappointment, Salawa’s milestone performance once again highlighted his growing importance to Fijian rugby.
On current form, the 26-year-old is rapidly emerging as one of the leading contenders for the Flying Fijians No.7 jersey ahead of the upcoming international season.
