Drua Shock Reds in Suva Thriller
Fijian Drua, currently bottom of the Super Rugby Pacific ladder, dealt a major blow to the Queensland Reds’ finals hopes with a dramatic 36-33 upset in Suva.
The Reds were seconds from a breakthrough win in Fiji until replacement Isikeli Rabitu crossed with just 52 seconds left, sealing a memorable home win for the Drua.
Reds coach and future Wallabies boss Les Kiss had labelled the clash a “must-win” as his fourth-placed side chased a top-three finish and the advantage of hosting a final. Kiss was visibly tense in the coaching box as the lead changed hands seven times in a bruising encounter.
In a physical match dominated by forward power, nine of the 11 tries came from the packs. Despite missing four conversions, Drua’s six-try effort arguably merited the victory.
The final moments saw Reds co-captain Fraser McReight yellow-carded, leaving the visitors a man down – an edge the Drua capitalised on to make it three straight losses for the Reds in Suva. Queensland now faces a tough run home, including clashes with the Waratahs and Brumbies.
Jock Campbell gave the Reds an early lead following Taniela Rakuro’s opener, but Etonia Waqa’s try – taking advantage of a sleepy defence – helped Drua stay in the fight.
Richie Asiata, covering for injured Matt Faessler, scored his fifth try in six games, and Seru Uru’s finish gave the Reds a 19-15 lead at the break.
The Drua roared out in the second half, with Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Tuwai putting them up by 10. Reds forwards Jeff Toomaga-Allen and Max Craig responded – but Rabitu’s late try capped a thrilling finish in front of the home fans.
This win follows Drua’s recent triumph over the Waratahs, further cementing their role as spoilers late in the season.
Elsewhere in Super Rugby Pacific:
Hurricanes 35 – Chiefs 17:
The Hurricanes recorded a critical victory over the Chiefs in Wellington, powered by four tries off the bench from Bailyn Sullivan. The result helps erase memories of last year’s painful semifinal defeat and narrows the gap between the Hurricanes and the Reds.
Despite the loss – their third this season – the Chiefs still sit strongly atop the standings.
Brumbies 40 – Waratahs 17:
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii again impressed despite the Waratahs falling heavily to the Brumbies in Canberra. The match was tight early, but the Brumbies dominated the second half, led by Noah Lolesio and try-scoring standout Corey Toole.
With just four games left and an inconsistent away record, the Waratahs face a steep climb to make the finals, currently sitting eighth with a 5-5 record.
