The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has created history by qualifying for Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific playoffs in just their second year in the competition after a dominant 41-17 win over the Queensland Reds at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva tonight.
The win has seen the Fijian Drua moving to 7th place with 26 points kicking the Reds out of the top 8.
The Drua scored a total of 6 tries through fullback Selestino Ravutaumada, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Vilive Miramira, Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere and Joseva Tamani with Frank Lomani adding one penalty kick at goal.
The Reds put up a good fight in the first spell as both teams were tied at 17-all at the break.
The Fijian Drua put on the accelerator in the second spell to pull away with the bonus point victory and confirmed their place in the playoffs.
Captain courageous Ratu Meli Derenalagi commended the players’ efforts and thanked the fans for the support shown today.
He also dedicated the win to head coach Mick Byrne after the passing away of the coach’s father.
The Reds coach Brad Thorn says the result was hurtful but it was a significant win for the Fijian Drua and they deserved it.
Ravutaumada was named the player of the match.
-Kickoff!
- 4th minute: Selestino Ravutaumada scores the first try for the Fijian Drua after a blunder from Reds winger Filipo Daugunu inside their own half. Caleb Muntz adds the extras. DRUA 7-0 REDS
-8th Minute: Reds replies with a converted try to locks Ryan Smith. DRUA 7-7 REDS
-17th Minute: Kalaveti Ravouvou scores the Drua's second try to give them the lead. Muntz misses the conversion.DRUA 12-7 REDS
-21st Minute: Queensland Reds are stopped just a few metres from the try line but Fraser McReight picks up from the base of the ruck to score the try. DRUA 12 - REDS 14
-27th Minute: James O'Connor extends the Reds'lead with a penalty kick at goal.DRUA 12-17 REDS
-32nd minute: Vilive Miramira scores Fijian Drua's third try in the corner to lock the score at 17-all. Muntz misses the conversion.DRUA 17-17 REDS
-HALF TIME
-2nd Half Kicks off!
-40th minute: The game goes into halftime with both teams locked at 17-all.
-43rd minute: Drua regains the lead after Lomani converted a penalty kick.DRUA 20-17 REDS
-46th minute: Reds reduced to 14 players after McReight was yellow carded for foul infringement.
-51st minute: The Drua scored their fourth try to prop Mesake Doge. Lomani converts the try.DRUA 27-17 REDS
-57th minute: Michael Naitokani replaces Iosefo Masi.
-58th minute: Tevita Ikanivere scores the Fijian Drua's 5th try after a blunder by the Reds in their own 5 metre line.Lomani converts the try.DRUA 34-17
-74th minute: Joe Tamani extends the Drua lead after intercepting the ball from their own half and scoring beside the post.Kemueli Valetini converts the try.DRUA 41-17 REDS
-FullTime
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