The Fijian Drua have produced a stunning second-half demolition job, knocking over the Melbourne Rebels 40-19 on a wet afternoon in Lautoka.
Coming into half-time 19-19, with the visitors dominating in the forward pack and the stats, the hosts scored three tries to none in the final 40 minutes in front of a raucous local crowd.
The result sees the Drua move above the Rebels in the Super Rugby standings to finish the regular season in Seventh – meaning next week they will likely face a trip to Auckland, Wellington – or if results surprise this afternoon in New Zealand – Canberra.
Consequently, the Rebels have subsequently dropped to Eighth on the ladder, being equal in competition points with the Drua, but with fewer wins and a worse points differential.
Taniela Tupou of the Melbourne Rebels runs with the ball during the round 15 Super Rugby Pacific match between Fijian Drua and Melbourne Rebels at Churchill Park, on June 01, 2024, in Lautoka, Fiji. (Photo by Pita Simpson/Getty Images)
However, more critically, the Drua victory puts finals placings out of reach for the last two sides chasing the top eight – the Crusaders and the Western Force.
The Crusaders killed Moana Pasifika’s finals hopes in their 43-10 victory last night, however both the Canterbury side and the Force needed a Rebels victory to keep their finals hopes alive.
The result kills the seasons for both sides, with the Crusaders set to miss finals for the first time since 2015, while the Force will have to wait another year for the chance to make their maiden Super Rugby finals berth.
The result locks in the eight teams that will do battle for the Super Rugby trophy next week – although both sides will now keep a watch on the make-up of the top of the ladder, which could still change based on results later this afternoon and determine who they play.
Despite the result, Rebels captain Rob Leota admitted he was proud of the side – especially in light of the huge news they had all received the day before.
“Coming over to Fiji is obviously a tough trip but we wanted to do a job. Unfortunately, here to get a loss…I’m just proud of – with the bit of the stuff going on off-field – but the way we showed up, we’ll be better for it next week, going into finals.
“[To the fans], we appreciate all your support back home, in Melbourne and even here in Fiji. To everyone in Melbourne, just stick with us, we’re into finals now and we’re looking to do a job and make you guys proud.”
Meli Derenalagi highlighted how crucial their weekly review was for this clash, especially following several poor performances on the road.
“We looked at our weaknesses from last week, and this week boys, they had given their all.
“We knew it was a do-or-die game.”
The hosts were the first to score courtesy of an outstanding try to Waqa Nalaga – although a questionable forward pass in the lead-up quickly became the topic of discussion.
The Rebels got to work shortly afterwards, showing early dominance to earn a penalty try – which saw Frank Lomani in the bin again. With the one-man advantage, scoring a second try off the restart thanks to a long-range effort from Andrew Kellaway.
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The Drua were quick to respond with a stunning build up over twenty phases in the Rebels territory, ending with a classic try to Ilaisa Droasese, however, the Rebels further extended their lead eight minutes later thanks to a strong forward effort of their own, capped off with a try to Josh Canham.
The Drua would equalise right on half time with a try to Iosefo Masi, before kicking off the second half with a classic long-range effort to Selestino Ravutaumada.
From then on, they kicked into gear and ran away with the match, with a second try to Nalaga before Lomani scored the final try of the game in the 52nd minute.
Now all both sides can do is wait.