THE McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women created history after securing their first-ever Super Rugby Women’s home final with a convincing 31-5 victory over the Queensland Reds at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday.
Backed by a vocal home crowd, the Drua wasted no time asserting their dominance, producing a powerful display of attacking rugby and relentless defence.
The home side opened the scoring through fullback Salaseini Railumu, who crossed for the first try of the match following sustained pressure. Flyhalf Varanisese Qoro added the extras to give the Drua an early 7-0 lead.
The Drua forwards then showcased their strength, driving the Reds backwards before Karalaini Naisewa crashed over for the second try. Qoro maintained her perfect kicking record to extend the lead to 14-0.
With confidence growing, speedster Atelaite Buna added the third try of the afternoon after exploiting space out wide, giving the hosts a commanding advantage.
The Reds’ only points of the match came late in the first spell when Charlie Brigstocke crossed in the 38th minute. The try came while the Drua were reduced to 14 players following Nunia Daunimoala’s yellow card.
Despite being a player down, the Fijians remained composed and took a comfortable 19-5 lead into the halftime break.
The second half saw the Drua tighten their defensive structures and increase the intensity in attack. Captain Kolara Lomani led from the front, crossing twice to put the result beyond doubt.
Her first try came after the Drua patiently built phases inside the Reds’ territory before the Kadavu native powered over. Lomani then completed her double late in the game, capping off an outstanding captain’s performance.
Qoro successfully converted Lomani’s second try to seal the 31-5 victory.
The Reds showed glimpses of improvement in the second half, particularly with the introduction of prop Tanya Kalounivale. The Black Ferns Test prop, playing her first top-level match in Fiji in front of family and friends, made several powerful carries that gave the visitors some momentum.
However, the Drua defence stood firm and denied the Reds any further scoring opportunities.
The emphatic win sends the McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women into their first home Super W final, with the side now one step away from reclaiming the championship title in front of their passionate supporters.
