Too weak, Reds lament soft tries in Super loss to Drua
Tate McDermott is challenging his Queensland Reds to man up physically after having their Super Rugby Pacific finals ambitions dented in a thrilling try-fest in Suva.
The last-placed Fijian Drua continue to play the competition spoilers, pipping the Reds 36-33 with a last-gasp winner on Saturday.
The Reds were a minute away from notching an elusive first win in the Fijian capital, before inspired replacement Isikeli Rabitu surged over with 52 seconds left on the clock.
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.
SCENES IN SUVA 🤩#SuperRugbyPacific #DRUvRED pic.twitter.com/DH3Iiq3yiC
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) May 3, 2025
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.
"We need to see the improvements leading into those games away. Probably just physically," McDermott said after his milestone 100th Super game ended in disappointment.
"We just let them score too easy, too many times. Against a team like the Drua, you give them that much time and space to do whatever they want with the ball, they're going to make you pay.
"So we'll take our lessons. It's not all doom and gloom."
The Reds made a nice enough start, fullback Jock Campbell racing away to give his side an early lead after Drua winger Taniela Rakuro had opened the scoring in the fifth minute.
But, seeking a breather on the short side, flanker Etonia Waqa caught Tim Ryan napping and brushed off the winger to score the softest of tries for the Drua.
Again, like after the Drua's two earlier tries through Rakuro and prop Mesake Doge either side of Campbell's effort, the home team couldn't convert.
Filling in for injured Wallabies hooker Matt Faesler, Richie Asiata's fifth try in six games dragged the Reds back to within a point, before Fijian-born flanker Seru Uru strolled over down the left wing to earn the visitors a 19-15 halftime lead.
The Drua came out all guns blazing after the break, with lock Mesake Vocevoce and flanker Isoa Tuwai charging over to give the hosts a 29-19 advantage.
The Reds hit back through finishing forwards Jeff Toomaga-Allen and Max Craig.
But Rabitu had the final say to throw a spanner in the Reds' finals hopes, a fortnight after the Drua also downed the Waratahs in Fiji.
"Obviously a disappointing day," McDermott said.
"We got the bonus point and we're not happy with that, but it's better than nothing."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
37 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Arizona Diamondbacks' offense hitless in last four innings, swept by Reds
CINCINNATI — With two outs in the bottom of the seventh inning on Sunday, June 8, Diamondbacks catcher José Herrera set up his mitt above the outside of home plate to right-handed hitting Cincinnati Reds No. 9 hitter Matt McClain. The 0-1 slider from Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen missed the target and went right over the plate, where McClain was able to get a good swing and send the ball into the left-field seats for a two-run home run. Advertisement That shot broke a 2-2 tie for a 4-2 Reds lead, and it was all Cincinnati needed to take a win and a series sweep over the Diamondbacks this weekend at Great American Ball Park. It was one of three home runs for the Reds on the day, all off Gallen (4-8). "Maybe one of those stays in at another park," Gallen said. ''But it looked like they were hit pretty solid. Obviously, it's on your mind when you're out there, you're cognizant of this park playing a little bit smaller. You kind of tend to have higher home run totals. But I think when you make a mistake toward the middle of the plate, it doesn't matter where you're playing." Gallen — in his 150th career start as a Diamondback — allowed four runs on six hits with three walks and five strikeouts in 6⅔ innings, a decent outing but one not supported by much offense. The Diamondbacks (31-34) scored just six runs over three games in a hitter-friendly stadium, and on Sunday went the final four innings of the game without a hit or even a single runner on base. Advertisement "Very disappointed," manager Torey Lovullo said. "We lose two tough ballgames here. The middle game (13-1 loss) was a clunker yesterday, I'm aware of that. But they (the Reds) got big hits at most critical times, and we didn't. And that's the difference in the game. "Our guys are very capable of doing that. It just didn't happen," Lovullo added. "But Zac did his job today. He did everything he possibly could. He felt great, looked great, just made a couple of mistakes and he paid for it." The Diamondbacks had a 2-0 lead through three innings but couldn't build on it. They had two runners on base in both the fourth and fifth innings but couldn't score. Eugenio Suarez hit his second home run in as many days and Corbin Carroll drove in Alek Thomas for a run in the third inning, but Geraldo Perdomo grounded into a pair of double plays. Advertisement "He's so good at working counts, seeing the ball, just working his approach around the field," Lovullo said of Perdomo. "Maybe getting a little bit jumpy and pull-happy." Rain delayed the game 31 minutes before the top of the sixth inning, the second game in three days affected by precipitation in southern Ohio. "It's what happens when you come to the Midwest," Lovullo said. "It seems like every year when we come on this trip in this space. So we talked about it, it didn't surprise anybody. It's just one of those things you've got to deal with." Thomas led a good day on defense for the Diamondbacks with a diving catch in center field to rob Gavin Lux of an extra-base hit. There was a double p[ay turned in the infield, and Gallen picked off the speedy Elly De La Cruz as the Arizona executed the rundown play well. Advertisement Next for the Diamondbacks is the struggling Seattle Mariners back at Chase Field. They've dropped out of the top spot in the American League West. "When we go back home I think we're going to be just fine," Thomas said. "We're just going to put together good at-bats and pass the baton to the next guy, and get on base and drive them in. A little bit of luck in there, too, and things will fall our way." Backhus makes big league debut Left-handed reliever Kyle Backhus entered the game in the bottom of the eighth and made his major league debut, tossing a scoreless 1-2-3 inning. Backhus was called up from Triple-A Reno earlier in the day, and his first career MLB strikeout came against De La Cruz, the star of the Reds. Advertisement Lovullo said Backhus showed what the organization liked about him in spring training. "Super proud of him, super happy for him and he's got some really good stuff," Lovullo said. "We're very intrigued by what he's capable of doing." Backhus said there was not enough time for his wife and infant daughter to come see his debut on such short notice with the call-up. But they will join him when the Diamondbacks return to Phoenix on June 9. "It was exciting. Tried not to put too much into it," Backhus said. "A lot of guys in the bullpen helped calm my nerves a little bit. Being around some of these guys in camp helps a lot. Just going out there and doing my thing." Advertisement Backhus was on a road trip with Reno in Oklahoma City so he got two hours of sleep because he was awake doing laundry. "Other than that, it is what it is. I'll take this call 100 more times," Backhus said. Busy days for DBacks' Herrera José Herrera nodded his head in the clubhouse before Sunday's game, when asked how his arm felt. That was good for the Diamondbacks, who called upon Herrera to catch a full game for the second straight day. Herrera normally catches on Sundays, but he was pressed into service as catcher and for one inning, relief pitcher the day before. Herrera caught for 12 innings on June 7, then pitched a scoreless inning. Several teammates asked him if he was feeling good. Advertisement "I like the catchers pitching, because they throw the ball back to the pitcher at that distance, and it's not adding on to any more volume," Lovullo said. "They're going to receive one, they're going to throw one back to the pitcher, so it's a one-for-one proposition for me. They know the distance, they know how to gauge the speed, and they can lob it in there because they're used to it." Lovullo told Herrera not to throw more than 55 mph. Herrera's velocity was in the 40s, in a game the Diamondbacks lost 13-1. "I just don't want anybody to get hurt in that situation," Lovullo said. "I want to just get off the field healthy and live to fight another day." Moreno 'feeling much better,' Carroll back in lineup After not playing in the June 7 game against the Reds, catcher Gabriel Moreno's sore right hand was feeling better on June 8, Lovullo said. Moreno was OK to serve as a backup to Herrera. Advertisement Moreno seems to have avoided an injured list stint for the moment. "He got struck on the hand by a ball that got him in the right spot, and we felt like it was going to be day to day for a little while," Lovullo said. "But it was going to turn a corner quickly, and eventually get him back on the field much quicker than the 10 days (injured list), and that's kind of where we're at right now." Lovullo gave an update on the catching depth in the minor leagues. Adrian Del Castillo is about to return to Reno for games after rehabbing his injured shoulder at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, and Rene Pinto, who with Del Castillo and Garcia was also in spring training, recently broke his hand. Also, outfielder Corbin Carroll was back in the lineup on June 8 after two days out for rest. Advertisement "It's just nice to have one of the best players in the league available and back in your lineup," Lovullo said. "But we had to be careful. There's a lot of baseball, and it was a quick turnaround day in Atlanta, and he plays hard. He goes as hard as anybody we have, and the body was just not responding and needed a little bit more rest." Roster move The Diamondbacks had to return pitcher Christian Montes De Oca to Reno despite his solid outing on June 7, because he was the appointed 27th player on the active roster for the day. But the team did add a pitcher on June 8, with Backhus brought up and catcher Aramis Garcia designated for assignment. Garcia caught for a half-inning on June 7, soon after being called up to provide coverage, with Moreno unable to play due to right hand soreness. Advertisement Backhus is 4-4 with a 2.22 earned run average at Reno, with 24 appearances this season. Coming up Monday, June 9: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (6-2, 3.43) vs. Mariners RHP Emerson Hancock (2-2, 5.19). Tuesday, June 10: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (7-4, 5.51) vs. Mariners RHP Bryan Woo (5-3, 3.07). Wednesday, June 11: At Chase Field, 12:40 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (1-3, 6.70) vs. Mariners RHP Bryce Miller (2-5, 5.73) This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Diamondbacks' offense falters in loss and 3-game sweep by Reds
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
How Liverpool should spend $171M if Florian Wirtz transfer collapses
Liverpool's pursuit of Florian Wirtz seems to be heading in the right direction — but the longer the transfer saga drags on, the twitchier Reds fans will get over whether the German is actually destined for Anfield. Advertisement It's been several weeks now since it emerged that Wirtz had decided that he wanted to join Liverpool over Bayern Munich, and the Merseyside club has been working on wrapping up a deal ever since. Wirtz confirmed his excitement at the prospect of joining Liverpool last week, but given the sums involved — the attacker could become the third most-expensive player of all time — there is a risk of the transfer breaking down until the deal is officially confirmed. READ MORE: Darwin Nunez transfer deadline emerges thanks to Viktor Gyokeres' snub READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news LIVE: Florian Wirtz medical, Milos Kerkez talks, Darwin Nunez future Advertisement If, for whatever reason, the transfer doesn't end up going through, the Reds will have to look elsewhere for alternative targets. Similar players to Wirtz There are few players in world soccer who can hold a candle to Wirtz in his position, and all of them would cost an absolute fortune — but Liverpool is willing to spend an absolute fortune on Wirtz, so the likelihood is that the Reds would also be willing to do exactly that to sign another player of the German's caliber. Of the world's attacking midfielders, only Jude Bellingham — who was previously linked with Liverpool — has a higher market value ($205 million) than Wirtz, according to Transfermarkt, and there is little chance of him leaving Real Madrid this summer. Liverpool is continuing to work on a deal for Florian Wirtz -Credit:2025 Ralf Ibing - firo sportphoto Bayern's Jamal Musiala and Wirtz are both valued at $160 million, and while a move for Musiala is also unlikely, the prospect of him moving on could increase if Wirtz ends up joining Bayern. Advertisement Cole Palmer and Martin Odegaard are among the best attacking midfielders in the Premier League but there is no chance Liverpool would be able to convince either Chelsea or Arsenal to part with either player. Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers and Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze could be more attainable, while RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons has been linked with Liverpool in the past and the Reds could turn their attention to him. READ MORE: 3 Harvey Elliott landing spots after Liverpool midfielder's transfer hint READ MORE: Arsenal should've seen Martin Zubimendi twist coming with Xabi Alonso advice before Liverpool snub Other squad areas that require strengthening If Liverpool ends up pivoting from Wirtz to someone like Rogers, Eze or Simons, the club would save a significant amount of money on the transfer fee that they look set to spend on Wirtz, and that extra money could be put towards strengthening in other areas of the squad. Advertisement Liverpool has already signed a new right-sided player in Jeremie Frimpong, but a left-back — specifically Milos Kerkez — is also on the agenda. The Reds could also look to strengthen in the center of Arne Slot's defense amid the uncertainty over the futures of Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Liverpool transfer news as Al-Nassr 'prepared' to spend $97M on Reds ace
Al-Nassr is reportedly willing to spend $97 million on Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, which could seriously test the Reds' resolve during the summer transfer window. Liverpool has no intention of selling Diaz this summer, but an offer of that magnitude could prompt club bosses to sit up and take notice, particularly considering the player is on course to leave for free in two years' time. Advertisement Liverpool made it clear to Barcelona last week that Diaz is not for sale after rebuffing an approach from the Catalan club. However, there is said to be little expectation that Diaz will pen an extension to his current contract at Liverpool, which is due to expire in 2027. READ MORE: Trent Alexander-Arnold's Real Madrid presentation planned as Club World Cup plan emerges READ MORE: Darwin Nunez transfer deadline emerges thanks to Viktor Gyokeres' snub Liverpool has reportedly attempted to address Diaz's contract situation but little progress has been made, and rather than sell him this summer, the club would prefer to maximize his performance value over the next two years and allow him to leave for nothing following the 2026-27 season. Advertisement However, the Reds would surely reassess that stance were they to receive an offer of just under $100 million for the 28-year-old winger. Diaz is currently on the same terms that he agreed when he signed for Liverpool in January 2022. As such, he's paid far less than some of the Reds' biggest stars. But he was an important player for Arne Slot's team this season and Sky Sports claimed earlier this year that Liverpool was set to offer a deal that reflected his status. A new deal, though, doesn't appear to be in the offing, and unless something changes in the next couple of years, Diaz is on course to leave for nothing in two years' time, when he will be 30 years old. According to Capology, Diaz — who has also been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League — currently earns £55,000 ($73,000) per week, which is significantly lower than players of a similar standing in the squad. Advertisement Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Federico Chiesa are all reported to earn more than double the amount that Diaz takes home, and Diaz could be forgiven for finding that galling given Chiesa has barely played all season and the Colombian has scored more goals than Gakpo, Nunez, and Jota. Meanwhile, Liverpool reportedly wants Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt as a replacement for Darwin Nunez, who will almost certainly leave Anfield this summer. Nunez has spent three seasons at Anfield and he saw his game time reduce dramatically following the arrival of Arne Slot at Anfield last summer. Clubs in Saudi Arabia, as well as Atletico Madrid, are interested in Nunez, and @AdlerNews — an Eintracht Frankfurt news account on X — says that Liverpool wants Ekitike to replace the Uruguayan.
