Fijian Drua defeat Rebels in final Super warmup

Thu, Feb 10, 2022, 10:23 AM
AAP
by AAP
Less than two weeks out from the start of the inaugural season, the virtual launch will bring together the captains and coaches of all Australian-based teams as we preview this exciting new era.

Fijian Drua have given Melbourne rugby fans a sneak peek of what to expect in the Super Rugby Pacific competition, beating the Rebels 28-26 in a warmup match on Thursday night.

The Drua came from behind in the four-tries apiece thriller at Harlequin Rugby Club in their first and only hit out before taking on the NSW Waratahs in their historic season opener in Parramatta on February 18.

The Fijians opened the scoring inside two minutes through international hooker Tevita Ikanivere and Kiwi five-eighth Baden Kerr converted.

After conceding an intercept try, the Drua retook the lead with winger Kitione Ratu scoring under the posts for 14-7, before Melbourne scored three unanswered tries to take a 24-14 advantage into the final third of the contest.

But the hosts couldn't hang on, Joseva Tamani barged over after strong forward play and winger Vinaya Habosi scored a length of the field try under the sticks to leave Caleb Muntz an easy conversion for the win.

READ MORE:

RECOVERY: Tupou opens up on Tonga relief

LOCKED IN: CBA confirmed for 2022

RETURN: Force cleared for WA home game

The Drua - who played in the National Rugby Championship before graduating to Super Rugby Pacific - have based themselves on the NSW North Coast to prepare for their competition debut.

Mick Byrne's side will play 'home' games at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium (rounds three and eight), Sydney's Leichhardt Oval (round five) and Parramatta's CommBank Stadium (round 13), while also hoping to host in front of their fans in Suva in round 11.

Share
Five key talking points for the Wallaroos heading into 2025
The two Sevens sides have hit the reset button as they look for results in the 2025 season. Photo: World Rugby
Five key talking points for the Sevens program heading into 2025
Fergus Burke helped Saracens take down defending champions Northampton. Photo: Getty Images
Saracens defeat champions Northampton to move third in Premiership table
Joseph Manu crossed on his debut but Bernard Foley's late drop goal denied victory. Photo: Getty Images
Manu scores try on Rugby debut but Foley proves hero in epic opener