History.
This is a match that will live in Fijian Rugby history as they claimed their first Super Rugby Pacific win over the Rebels 31-26.
So what did we learn from the thrilling encounter?
1.Historic
On a night when one expansion side made their Super Rugby debut, it was only fitting the other went one step better for their first win.
After two below-average performances, the Drua displayed the perfect mix of free-flowing Rugby and gutsy goal-line defence to secure the win over the Rebels.
Even down a player before the break, they refused to drop their heads and found a way back into the contest, riding the strong support from the Sunshine Coast crowd.
Their ability to close out the game three points at a time for a historic victory will do wonders for their confidence and formally announces their arrival to the rest of the competition
2. Soul searching
On the flip side, where do the Rebels go after this? They would’ve targeted this game as the one to restart their season, however, leave with more questions than answers.
They got off to a perfect start with some silky skills opening the defence up for Young Tonumaipea. A try to James Hanson and a 14 point, one man advantage should have seen them close out the game.
However, they switched off before the break and invited the Drua back into contest with some simple mistakes. By the time they looked up, the Drua had 22 unanswered points and the game was all but gone.
Whilst any team would struggle with the level of injuries they have, the Rebels still had enough class to come away with the win. In the end, they are left searching and scratching their heads ahead of a clash with the Brumbies.
3. Broken play brilliance
The 15-minute period in between half-time showed the Drua at their best.
It was fast-flowing, end-to-end play as the natural ability and athleticism across the park shone through.
Flanker Vilive Miramira’s solo effort was arguably the best, collecting the loose ball from the line out 60 metres out and bursting away from the defenders to score.
Apisalome Vota picked up where he left off, a deserving man of the match as he torched the Rebels defence on countless occasions throughout the second half
4.Mixed fortunes
Whilst their flair will dominate the highlight package, it was a real solid performance at scrum time that set up victory for the Drua.
The settled tight five seemed to really show as they earned multiple penalties, including a key one in the 62nd minute to extend their lead to six.
Despite this, there is still plenty of improvements left in them, with a horrid performance at line out time. There were two not straight and a further two which were dropped in the first phase which invited pressure, which will all come in time for the expansion club.
5. Tamati Time
Tamati Ioane is the find of the season for the Rebels.
Ioane looked damaging whenever he touched the ball and showed he can have an impact for 80 minutes.
He produced a game-high 20 tackles and by far looked the most dangerous Rebel in attack.
Once considered the best-kept secret in Canberra Rugby, the powerful number eight has really made a name for himself in 2022 and is a shining light for a struggling side.
