FIJIAN Drua created history as they booked their spot in the Super Rugby play-offs for the first time after smashing the Reds 41-17 behind an inspired second-half performance.
The bumper Fijian crowd were brought to their feet early on as Selestino Ravutaumada’s charge-down try got proceedings started inside two minutes.
But the Reds hit back with scores from Ryan Smith and James O’Connor before Vilive Miramira’s try saw the two sides go into half-time level.
However, as we’ve seen countless times this season, the harsh Fijian conditions caught up with the visitors in the second half.
The hosts piled on 24 unanswered points with tries from Mesake Doge, Tevita Ikanivere and Joseva Tamani to seal their fifth win from six home games this season and punch their ticket to the quarter-finals where they will travel to Christ church looking to provide an almighty upset to the Crusaders.
“They’ve become dedicated to becoming professionals,” Drua head coach Mick Byrne said.
“All the little things that sometimes pros take for granted but these boys had never done it before. They deserve everything they’ve got tonight and we’re taking it all in.”
Moana Pasifika added to the Pacific Island joy as they played spoiler to Michael Hooper’s Sydney swansong, dismantling the Waratahs 33-24 for a first win of the season.
This story is from the June 04, 2023 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 04, 2023 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
YOUNG GUNS
SEANKERR HARLEQUINS & ENGLAND U20 CENTRE
PGP deal is nothing but a waste of time
I CAN’T help thinking that the new Professional Game Partnership (PGP) is nothing but a waste of time as I can’t see how it is going to make any difference to how the game operates or how it will actually help clubs keep players and reduce the financial strain they are under.
Tries galore as Jake leads the Crusaders title party
WITH Dings stalwarts Charlie Taylor and Jake Holcombe reaching the milestones of 250 and 200 appearances respectively, the massive win over Camborne was a fitting end to the season.
It's title delight for the Titans!
ROTHERHAM Titans are the champions!
Lions survive as Patrick heroics seal late glory
THE final throws of the 2023-24 season saw Sale take on Leicester Lions at Heywood Road, with the visitors looking for a victory to ensure their survival.
35 years on and Tim's charity still full of hope
IF YOU believe rugby is the ultimate team sport – which I still do – it is tempting to superimpose all its many fine qualities into other team environments.
'Ireland in blue' will provide stiffest test
PHIL Dowson and Leo Cullen first crossed paths in European action 10 seasons ago when Northampton did something they had never done before nor since: beating Leinster in Dublin.
Cardiff left in a mess by lively Edinburgh
CARDIFF’S last appearance at the Arms Park this season ended miserably as Edinburgh picked up a valuable four points in their quest for an end of season playoff spot.
RED ROSES
MADDIE FEAUNATI EXETER CHIEFS BACK ROW
Sharks look to have edge in Diamond derby
SALE boss Alex Sanderson has thanked Steve Diamond, his opposite number at Newcastle, for giving him extra motivation to win what has been dubbed ‘the Diamond derby’.
