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A second half “disintegration” from the Fiji Drua has helped the Melbourne Rebels come-from-behind to seal back-to-back wins and temporarily move into the top four on the Super Rugby standings.
Trailing 20-8 after 34 minutes, the Rebels scored 33 unanswered points, including four second half tries, to pull off an important win the beleaguered franchise.
They were helped by two moments of complete madness from the Drua, as experienced international halfback Frank Lomani, who previously played for the Rebels, elbowed Josh Canham in the back of the head as the lock cleaned his opponent out in the 56th minute.
The incident was initially missed by on-field referee Damon Murphy, but after being tipped off by his Television Match Official of the hit, it didn’t take long for the red card to be produced.
Frank Lomani was sent off for an elbow of Josh Canham at AAMI Park on April 05, 2024, in Melbourne. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Lomani vented his frustration immediately and kicked his chair as he headed to the sideline, but the blood on the back of Canham’s head revealed the force of the shot from the in-form No.9.
Less than 20 minutes later, he was joined on the sidelines by Jone Koroiduadua.
After a frustrating second-half, the replacement prop grazed Alex Mafi’s jaw in a head butt as the two got close and personal following a set-piece.
Once again, Murphy pulled out the red card immediately.
Not only did the two reckless moments cost the Drua dearly, but both will likely have a lengthy stint on the sidelines following the brain explosions.
Former Wallaby Justin Harrison described the two moments as “insane and total stupidity”.
Two-time World Cup winner Tim Horan said it was “crazy stuff from the Fiji Drua”.
Drua skipper Meli Derenalagi said it was important his side learn from the second-half implosion, as they lost their heads.
“I can’t say a lot about that because it’s so uncharacteristic of our players,” he said.
“For me and team, we’ll go back and try and talk as players about how we can stay calm when the pressure rises, so that’s a major work-on for us.”
Acting Rebels skipper Sam Talakai, who led the side in the absence of Rob Leota and Brad Wilkin, the tight-head prop said the response from his side, particularly the forward pack, proved decisive.
“I think we did a really good job to contain them in the first half,” he said.
“Obviously, they put back-to-back points on us. We just spoke about staying in the moment.
“That try heading into half-time was big for us and the pack. We just said this is the moment to take the bull by the horns.”
Glen Vaihu scored a double for the Rebels during their come-from-behind win over the Drua at AAMI Park, on April 05, 2024, in Melbourne. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)
The bonus point win saw the Rebels move ahead of the Reds and Chiefs into fourth spot on the Super Rugby standings on 19 points.
With a tricky run home in the final month of the competition, it means next week’s clash against the Highlanders is a big one for Kevin Foote’s side.
“It doesn’t really change where we sit,” Talakai said. “We said last week we had a big three-game window we wanted to target and we’ve done two, we’ve got to move on to next week now.”
Early on and it looked like being a long night for the Rebels.
The home side failed to slow down the Drua’s ball at the breakdown and the Fijians opened the scoring via the boot of Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula in the ninth minute.
Five minutes later and the Drua had their first try of the evening, as Lomani got underneath Canham.
After inexplicably missing touch and kicking the ball dead from a penalty, the Rebels pointed to the posts as Carter Gordon slotted an early three to get on the board.
But the Drua responded quickly, as Apisalome Vota scored comfortably out wide.
Rebels back-rower Angelo Smith responded when he scored in tight, but Gordon failed to convert as his kicking troubles continued.
It looked like proving costly as Ratu Rotuisolia scored in the 33rd minute to restore their lead.
The game turned in the minutes leading up to half-time though, as Rotuisolia was sent to the sin bin for a high shot on Gordon.
The Rebels made the numerical advantage count, as Jordan Uelese, who enjoyed another strong match, scored on the stroke of half-time to give the home side some much-needed confidence and momentum.
The momentum continued into the second half, as the Rebels got some early territory and they made it count as Glen Vaihu finished Gordon’s “Stephen Larkham-esque” cut out pass spectacularly.
Another two tries in 10 minutes saw the Rebels skip further ahead, as Maciu Nabolakasi scored from the rolling maul and Vaihu grabbed his second out wide after a powerful surge by Tupou through the middle.
Then calamity struck for the visitors, as Lomani was given his marching orders.
Filipo Daugunu showed off his footwork and power to give the Rebels a bonus point.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.