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Fijian Drua
31
Match Complete
Melbourne Rebels
26
| 82 |  | M. To'omua | ||
| 80 |  | R. Nu'u | ||
| T. Tela |  | 76 | ||
| T. Tela | | 66 | ||
| T. Tela | | 63 | ||
| 58 | | Y. Tonumaipea | ||
| T. Tela | | 55 | ||
| A. Vota | | 54 | ||
| T. Tela | | 52 | ||
| V. Miramira | | 44 | ||
| C. Muntz | | 39 | ||
| O. Ratave | | 38 | ||
| 34 | | M. To'omua | ||
| 32 | | J. Hanson | ||
| 3 | | M. To'omua | ||
| 1 | | Y. Tonumaipea |
| 3 | Tries | 4 | ||
| 2 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 4 | Penalty Goals | 0 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
Show Preview
Super Rugby Pacific round three continues with the Fijian Drua playing their first home game against the struggling Melbourne Rebels at Sunshine Coast Stadium. This will have been one of the clashes that the Drua targeted ahead of their season for a victory and the Rebels are going to be up against a passionate side. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:45 pm (AEDT).
Rebels coach, Kevin Foote has rung the changes in an attempt to find a winning formula for the Melbourne side. In their opening two games they’ve really struggled to create any pressure on their opponents and really offered little if any threat.
Foote has made three changes in his back line with Carter Gordon starting at full back while suspended Reece Hodge has to watch from the stands. Former NRL winger Young Tonumaipea is into the starting line up and Lukas Ripley will join Raymond Nu’u in the centres.
Up front Tamati Ioane starts at number eight, Josh Canham will join Matt Philip in the second row and James Hanson will replace Jordan Uelese at hooker.
The Drua have had a frustrating start to their Super Rugby experience with two losses including being torn to pieces by the Brumbies last week. But this could very much be their week.
Club captain Nemani Nagusa is out so Sevens Olympic gold medallist Meli Derenalagi will take on the leadership duties.
Preparations for the match have not been smooth and easy though for the Drua. With the flooding in NSW and Queensland causing so much damage and disruption to their travel plans, the 35 strong squad of players and staff got into cars and went on a road trip using backroads in both states to get to the Sunshine Coast.
How much of an impact this will have had on their preparation will be seen come kick off but it certainly isn’t the ideal way to head into game day.
Prediction
Despite recent form, the Rebels are favourites going into this game with the bookmakers, but there is something in the air and tonight is going to be a night to remember as the Drua pick up their first Super Rugby Pacific victory.
Drua by 7.
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium
Kick-off: 7:45pm (AEDT), Friday 4th March 2022
Live stream: Stan Sport
Betting: Fijian Drua $5.90, Rebels $1.13 – odds via PlayUp
Referee: Damon Murphy
Assistant Referee: Reuben Keane, James Palmer
Teams
Fijian Drua
1. Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Samu Tawake, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Ratu Rotuisolia, 6. Meli Derenalagi (c), 7. Vilive Miramira, 8. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 9. Peni Matawalu, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Vinaya Habosi, 12. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13. Apisalome Vota, 14. Selesitino Ravutaumada, 15. Baden Kerr.
Reserves:
16. Mesulame Dolokto, 17. Timoci Sauvoli, 18. Manasa Saulo, 19. Viliame Rarasea , 20. Rusiate Nasove , 21. Joshua Vuta, 22. Teti Tela , 23. Jona Mataiciwa.
Rebels
1. Cameron Orr, 2. James Hanson, 3. Cabous Eboff, 4. Matt Philip, 5. Josh Canham, 6. Michael Wells (c), 7. Brad Wilkin, 8. Tamati Ioane, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Matt To’omua, 11. Glen Vaihu, 12. Raymond Nu’u, 13. Lukas Ripley, 14. Young Tonumaipea, 15. Carter Gordon.
Reserves:
16. Efi Ma’afu, 17. Isaac Aedo Kailea, 18. Rhys Van Nek, 19. Josh Hill, 20. Sam Wallis, 21. James Tuttle, 22. Nick Jooste, 23. Ilikena Vudogo.
Hide Preview
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.