The Fijian Drua have made history after defeating the Melbourne Rebels 31-26 for their first-ever Super Rugby win.
The tournament newcomers came into tonight’s match as underdogs following back-to-back heavy defeats at the hands of the Waratahs and Brumbies through the opening two rounds.
READ MORE: Australian cricket legend Rod Marsh dead at age 74
READ MORE: Nick Kyrgios working with Naomi Osaka in bid to return to men’s top 100
READ MORE: Major change opens door for Djokovic
The Fijian side looked set for another tough night out after Young Tonumaipea crossed over for the Rebels inside the opening two minutes of the match.
And it only got worse for the Fijian Drua when Ratu Rotuisolia was hit with a yellow card late in the first half, which allowed James Hanson to extend the Rebels’ lead to 14-0 just moments later.
But in the shadows of half-time and down a man, the Fijian Drua took advantage of some space out on the wing as Onisi Ratave hit back for the home side.
Ratave’s try was part of a three-try onslaught, with Vilive Miramira and Apisalome Vota each crossing over in the second half to put the pressure back on the Rebels.
Tonight’s loss for the Rebels keeps them winless through three rounds.
“They came out and played a better game than us… there was no luck involved, they were better,” said Rebels skipper Michael Wells.
“We allowed them to dictate how we played. They ran through our tackles, It was men playing boys at times.
“Credit to them, they were too good.”
Former Wallabies coach Michael Cheika lauded Fijian Drua coach Mick Byrne for his changes at half-time.
Watch every game of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season, streaming ad free, live and on demand only on Stan Sport. Sign up for your free seven day trial!
“Melbourne was poor… but the Drua they stuck to their guns. It’s fantastic for them,” Cheika said on Stan Sport.
“At half-time, there was a clear change in strategy. They saw the Rebels had 14 players up in the line and that they were trying to shut them out.
“They started with the little kicks. They started with the ball bouncing on the ground and getting the structure of the defence broken up. It paid off for them.
“They dominated the unstructured moments.”