WATCH: Rugby’s first ‘own goal’ as all fans call ‘calamitous’ in-goal area decision ‘genuinely ridiculous’
WATCH: Rugby's first 'own goal' as all fans call 'calamitous' in-goal area decision 'genuinely ridiculous'
The Chiefs defeated Fijian Drua on Sunday to regain the lead at the top of Super Rugby Pasifika, while the visitors created their own misfortune as they flounder near the bottom.
Despite taking an early lead through prop Mesake Doge, the Drua found themselves 25 points down shortly after the half. A late surge was not enough to topple the league leaders, as replacement Tepaea Cook-Savage sealed the victory with ten minutes to go.
It was during the opening 40 that produced the most talked about moment, as rugby’s first own goal was created in what can only be described as a calamitous display by Ilaisa Droasese.
Collecting the ball in his own in-goal area, after the Chiefs had kicked it through, Droasese had to dot the ball down for a goal-line dropout. Instead, he decided to run with the ball, leading to disastrous consequences.
Under pressure from four defenders, the Fijian international chose to grubber kick the ball past the onrushing defence. His brazen attempt fell short, however, being collected by prop Jared Proffit, who simply needed to press the ball into the turf.
Possibly the most INSANE attempt to escape your own in goal area EVER! pic.twitter.com/7dWlWsYvTP
— The ACC (@TheACCnz) April 26, 2026
One fan watching the replay said: “Never in a thousand guesses could I have anticipated that decision”.
Another added, “Bro had 4 men til HIS OWN tryline. Either his balls are made of titanium or he’s just crazy”, while one person stated simply: “genuinely ridiculous”.
Fortunately for Droasese, the score didn’t directly affect the result, but it still won’t make for pleasant viewing when he watches it back later.
Response
“We weren’t consistent enough. We started off well, but [there are] a couple of areas that we could be better on,” Drua captain Temo Mayanavanua told Mils Muliaina following the game.
He was pleased with the bench’s impact, however, adding: “That’s what we want, for the bench to come and bring impact and stuff, and I thought they did really well. The other point, I thought, like our debutant Maika [Tuitubou], was unreal today.”