Fijian Drua break Reds hearts in Super Rugby thriller
The last-placed Fijian Drua continue to play Super Rugby Pacific spoilers, upsetting the Queensland Reds 36-33 in a thrilling try-fest in Suva.
The Reds were a minute away from notching an elusive first win in the Fijian capital, before inspired replacement Isikeli Rabitu surged over for the winner with 52 seconds left on the clock on Saturday.
Reds mentor and Wallabies coach-in-waiting Les Kiss had billed the match 'must win' for his fourth-placed side as they chase a top-three finals berth and all-important home play-off.
Little wonder Kiss cut an anxious figure, pacing around the Queensland coaches' box throughout the seesawing encounter.
In a bruising and sapping physical affair, forwards scored nine of the 11 tries as the lead changed hands seven times at HFC Bank Stadium.
In crossing for six tries to five but missing four conversions, the Drua probably deserved victory.
But it only came after a frenetic finish in which Reds co-captain Fraser McReight was yellow-carded, leaving his side a man short for the final 90 seconds.
That's all the Drua needed to leave the Reds none from three in Suva and now back in a dogfight for a top-six finals berth, ahead of two pivotal derbies away from home against the seventh-placed Waratahs and third-placed Brumbies.
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The Advertiser
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Fiji set to challenge Wallabies before Lions series
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"We want to win but more importantly, we want to win playing our brand of rugby. "This squad reflects the depth, strength, and we will give a performance that will make all Fijians proud." Fiji squad: Forwards: Eroni Mawi, Luke Tagi, Haereiti Hetet, Mesake Doge, Peni Ravai, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuel Mativesi, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Temo Mayanavanua, Setareki Turagacoke, Viliame Mata, Elia Canakaivata, Lekima Tagitagivalu, Albert Tuisue, Etonia Waqa, Motikai Murray. Backs: Simione Kuruvoli, Philip Baselala, Sam Wye, Caleb Muntz, Isaia Armstrong-Ravula, Vilimoni Botitu, Josua Tuisova, Iosefo Masikau Baleiwairiki, Sireli Maqala, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Ponipate Loganimasi, Jiuta Wainiqolo, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Salesi Rayasi.
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The Age
6 hours ago
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