Drua thrashes Rebels
THE Swire Shipping Fijian Drua showed glimpses of what fans can expect during the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition after beating the Melbourne Rebels 24-0 at Prince Charles Park in Nadi yesterday.
Played in four 20-minute quarters and an unlimited interchange, the Drua crossed over for four tries to Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Kitione Salawa, Iosefo Masi and Josefa Tamani. Kemu Valetini and Teti Tela were success with one conversion each.
The first quarter saw the two teams test each other out with the contest played between each team’s 22 metre zone.
Fijian speedster Vinaya Habosi was at his usual best, testing the
Rebels defence at times and putting in the hard hits.
The forwards were able to hold their own in the line-outs and the scrums were a big plus with the steady input of the front rowers who held their own and won tightheads.
The backline looked sharp and attacked on every given opportunity and their defence was rock solid. Better communication under the high ball was one area that needs working on.
While the slippery conditions didn’t help, handling errors marred continued play and was another area that needed improving.
The second quarter saw both teams struggle with momentum and failed to cross over the tryline.
The third quarter was when the Drua finally broke the deadlock, with Samusamuvodre crossing in the corner. Tela was successful with the conversion.
Next up was Kitione Salawa who was at the end of a dubbed kick behind the defence.
Masi beat the cover defence to score outside on the overlap before Tamani crossed over after some broken play Fijian magic.
Valetini was successful with the latter’s try.