Super Rugby Pacific: Fijian Drua fight back to beat Melbourne Rebels for maiden competition win

  • 05/03/2022

Fijian Drua have claimed their maiden Super Rugby Pacific win with a 31-16 victory over Melbourne Rebels on Friday.

The competition newcomers fought back from a 14-0 deficit and overcame a yellow card on an historic night for the franchise at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

Three spectacular long-range tries either side of halftime helped the Drua power their way back into the contest against a Rebels side missing several first-choice players to injury and suspension.

Melbourne's Ray Nu'u scored their fourth try on the buzzer, but four second-half penalties to replacement first-five Teti Tela helped the Drua seal the win.

Onisi Ratave scored the Drua's first try on the back of some superb build-up, before Vilive Miramira streaked clear from a ruck for their second.

A quick tap from a penalty then paid off for Peni Matawalu, who broke the line and offloaded for Apisalome Vota to score the Drua's final try.

The result keeps the Rebels winless this season, while the Drua are now 1-2 heading into next Saturday's clash with the Reds.