Game on, Suva: Drua keep Reds winless in Fiji

"They've done it! What a thrilling encounter!" as Fiji rugby fans took to social media to celebrate their team's win over the Reds in Suva on Saturday.

After facing defeats against the Crusaders and the Brumbies earlier this season, and most recently against Moana Pasifika, the Fijian Drua rose to the occasion, shining bright in front of their passionate fans.

They fought tooth and nail and triumphed over the Queenslanders with a nail-biting score of 36-33, thanks to an incredible six tries compared to the Reds' five.

Under immense pressure, it was "third time lucky" for the Drua in Suva this season, having lost two earlier matches in the capital. The atmosphere was electric at the HFC Stadium, with hot and humid conditions fuelling the excitement of the must-win match for the hosts.

The Fijians stormed out of the blocks, with dynamic winger Taniela Rakuro dotting down for the opening try just seven minutes in. The conversion missed, but the Drua quickly built on their momentum.

The Reds responded quickly, levelling the scores with a try from fullback Jock Campbell, who made sure to secure the lead with a successful conversion from flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.

But the Fijians didn't back down. They surged ahead with two more spectacular tries from their fearless captain, prop Mesake Doge, and relentless flanker Etonia Waqa. Both conversions narrowly missed.

The Australian side retaliated with impressive tries of their own from hooker Richie Asiata and Fiji-born flanker Seru Uru, heading to halftiem with a 19-15 lead after McLaughlin-Phillips missed the chance to convert Uru's try.

As the second half kicked off, the Fijians picked up right where they left off. Lock Mesake Vocevoce crossed the line just a minute after the restart, followed by flanker Isoa Tuwai, who added another 13 minutes later. Fullback Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula nailed both conversions to give the Drua a commanding 29-19 lead.

But the Reds were not about to fold easily. With fierce determination, they fought back as replacements Jeffery Toomaga-Allen and Max Craig powered their way to the tryline, making a major comeback.

Tom Lynagh, who had stepped in for McLaughlin-Phillips, converted successfully, putting the visitors ahead 33-29 with less than 10 minutes remaining in the game.

Just when it seemed like the game was slipping away from the Fijians, the last-minute drama unfolded. During a Drua attack, Reds' strongman Uru, in a valiant effort, tried to secure the loose ball but fumbled it. Isikeli Rabitu, off the bench, capitalised on Uru's mistake, charging in to score the match-winning try for the Drua. Armstrong-Ravula converted, sending the home crowd into an absolute frenzy.

The Player of the Match was awarded to Drua flyhalf Kemu Valetini, who controlled the game well despite missing two conversions.

"I just wanted to come here and do my job, put the team in the right position and let the big boys do the job," the 30-year-old Melbourne-born Fijian told Stan Sport after the game.

The No.10 thanked the fans for their support: "We know this season hasn't been easy for us, but we appreciate your support for coming out every weekend, cheering us on as we need you guys out here."

Veteran Drua captain Doge says the win will give them a lot of momentum as they head into the business end of the competition.

"It feels good. It's been a while since we've had a win here in Suva," he told the post-match interview. "I would like to thank the fans. Thank you for coming out today. You're always faithful. As I always say, this team is yours, not only ours. Vinaka.

"It's been a hard week for us as a club, and the boys worked hard his week, and I know it's not easy. And we saw in the last 10 seconds of that game, these boys came out fighting, and that shows our spirit as a nation. We are always going hard.

"I was fortunate to score a try like that, but I'm grateful for the boys, for the effort they put in. I was lucky to be there to score that try," Doge says.

The Reds aimed to learn from their previous mistakes during their trips to Fiji. Despite the loss, they clinched a valuable losing bonus point and are set for a challenging series against the Waratahs and Brumbies.

Reds' Captain Tate McDermott celebrated his 100th game in Super Rugby and reflected on the tough match.

"We're a little disappointed at the end there, but I think the boys did very well to get ourselves back in the game. The crowd was electric. The Drua played a good, physical game and we missed too many tackles," the halfback told the post-match interview.

"Obviously disappointed, but we got the bonus point. We're not happy with that, but it's better than nothing. We let them score too easily, too many times and against a team like the Drua, you give them that much time and space and do whatever they want with the ball, and they will make you pay."

There's no time for wallowing - the Reds will have to regroup, and "we'll take our lessons. Not all doom and gloom. We go against the Waratahs next week and then against the Brumbies, so we'll take it one week at a time", McDermott says.

Nemani Nadolo, a former Fijian rugby captain, was elated about the Drua's victory.

"What a finish! It was a win they needed. You saw the crowds go wild. Great game. The Queensland Reds couldn't keep up.

"It's the first time as well that we see the Drua play to that 80. Just that will to win it, to keep playing and take it to this Reds' outfit. It was the confidence booster that they needed. They now have three home games. What a way to start."

The Fiji women's 15s rugby union side lose 43-7 to the Australian Wallaroos. Photo/Supplied

The Drua now look ahead to hosting the defending champions, the Blues, next Friday night in Suva.

While the Fijians remain at the bottom of the standings, they're hoping for favourable results elsewhere to help their climb.

In other Super Rugby Pacific action, the Blues dispatched the Force from Perth with a commanding score of 40-29 on Friday night. The Hurricanes take on the Chiefs later today, and the Brumbies and Waratahs will square off in Canberra. On Sunday, the Highlanders host Moana Pasifika. Excitement is building all around!

Meanwhile, the Fijiana women's 15s side were crushed by the Australian Wallaroos, 43-7, in their rugby test match in Suva tonight. The Wallaroos scored seven tries to the Fijiana's one by captain Alfreda Fisher.