THE Drua—arguably the better performing Pacific unit in Super Rugby this year—bowed out 45–24 in a high scoring match at Suncorp Stadium on Friday night.
To the south, the Moana completed what had been a dismal season with a 21–19 victory over the ACT Brumbies.
In Brisbane the Drua started well with an incredible intercept try by Manasa Mataele.
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula missed the conversion.
The Reds hit back with a powerful driving maul in the 24th minute.
Filipo Daugunu was subbed in after Hunter Paisami was injured. The Reds worked a brilliant move from a well-executed lineout. The offloads were on target before Daugunu and Josh Flook scored another two easy tries for the Reds.
Elia Canakaivata was colossal in defense. He won a crucial turnover inside the Reds danger zone to create the try for Meli Tuni.
At halftime, the Reds led 21–12.
In the 45th minute, Mataele scored another individual try after he sneaked a grubber kick behind the Reds defence line to score underneath the posts.
Two minutes later, the Drua opened the game up. Mataele scored his third try of the match.
Then Reds number eight Harry Wilson, scored from the base of a strong attacking scrum to retake the lead.
The driving maul from the lineout seemed to be the best choice of weapon for the Reds. Matt Faessler scored another try for the home side.
Serupepeli Uru, Richie Asiata joined the scorer’s list for the Reds
The Drua went for one last surge in the final minutes but were not rewarded for their hard earned efforts.
At full time, Reds 45–Drua 24
The Drua recorded five wins, nine losses and one bonus point to give them 21 points and take second last position on the table.
Perhaps the highlights for the Drua this season is that they were beating the Wellington Hurricanes and the ACT Brumbies. This is a strong indicator that the young franchise has what it takes to achieve something great in the future of Super Rugby.
But lineout throws were a problem all season and they desperately need to fix this in order to perform better in the competition.
