The Queensland Reds have secured their first win on Fijian soil after defeating the Fijian Drua 21-6 in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash at Churchill Park yesterday.
The visitors controlled much of the first half through possession but struggled to convert chances into points due to handling errors and wayward passes.
It was the Drua who struck first, with Isaiah Armstrong slotting a penalty to open the scoring and give the home side an early 3-0 lead.
The Reds responded through a well-worked team effort. A high kick from Frank Lomani was fielded deep before the Reds countered, with Filipo Daugunu making a powerful break. Quick ball at the ruck saw Hunter Paisami slip an inside pass to Fraser McReight, who drew the final defender and released Kalani Thomas to score under the posts. Flyhalf Phillips McLaughlin added the conversion to put the Reds ahead.
Armstrong kept the Drua in the contest with his second penalty after the Reds were penalised for offside, reducing the deficit to 7-6 at halftime.
The second half began with drama as Reds fullback Jock Campbell was sin-binned for deliberately knocking the ball down at the ruck, temporarily reducing the visitors to 14 men.
Despite being a man down, the Reds extended their lead when Seru Uru produced a neat offload to send McLaughlin over for their second try. McLaughlin converted his own try to stretch the margin to 14-6.
The visitors sealed the match in the 63rd minute after a strong lineout drive, with hooker Richie Asiata crashing over for their third try. McLaughlin was again on target with the conversion.
The Reds’ defence proved too strong in the closing stages as they continued to pressure the Drua, denying the home side any further scoring opportunities to secure a historic 21-6 victory.
