The McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women delivered a statement performance to secure a home Super Rugby Women’s semi-final after thumping the Queensland Reds 50-17 in Brisbane on Saturday.
Head coach Mike Legge praised his side for executing the game plan, particularly their fast start and ability to maintain pressure throughout the contest.
“I’m very happy.
“We have been working in the last two to three weeks on our starts and continuing to build pressure and keep the pressure on, and the girls did that,” Legge said.
“There are a few areas I was not happy about. We let them score a few soft tries, but I’m glad and ecstatic.”
The Drua’s defence also impressed the coach, with the visitors forcing errors and limiting the Reds for long periods.
“We have worked really hard on it and the girls defended well. Overall our attack was really good.”
Star playmaker Varanisese Qoro once again stamped her class on the match, earning Player of the Match honours after scoring a try, kicking six conversions and adding a penalty in a superb all-round display.
The Drua crossed the line through Verenaisi Ditavitu, Litiana Vueti, Sulita Waisega, Aqela Raitubu, Tiana Robanakadavu, Josivini Naihamu and Qoro as they overwhelmed the Reds.
Legge also thanked the large Fijian crowd that turned out in Brisbane to support the team.
“Our Fiji community really came out. I’m happy we put on a show for them and we’re going to the semi-final.”
Reds, captain Jemma Bemrose admitted her side failed to stick to its strengths.
“We were our own worst enemies. It’s very disappointing because we got away from what works for us.
“The accountability is on us to be better. We are still building something strong with a really good group. Unfortunately, without the luxury of a longer season you leave yourself vulnerable if you are not on from the start,” she said.
“You see the impacts we had from the bench today and that’s a glimpse of what we can do.”
The emphatic victory sees the Fijian Drua Women head into the semi-finals full of confidence as they prepare to host their knockout clash on home soil.
