Fijian Drua reach Super Rugby Pacific Playoffs after beating Reds

Fijian Drua 41-17 Queensland Reds, Suva

Fijian Drua have reached the quarter-finals of the Super Rugby Pacific for the first time as they defeated Queensland Reds 41-17 in the 15th round in Suva on Saturday.

Fijian Drua got off to a fabulous start as Selestino Ravutaumada charged down for the opening try in the third minute and Caleb Muntz's conversion gave them a 7-0 lead.

The Reds responded almost immediately as Ryan Smith scored with a dive from close range and James O'Connor improved to level the scores.

The Drua once again seized the lead with Kalatevi Ravovou going out wide for their second try but Fraser McReight touched down at the back of a rumbling maul to provide the Reds with a 12-14 lead at the end of the 24th minute.

The lead increased to five points for the visitors as O'Connor kicked a penalty goal in the 28th minute but Drua levelled the scores at half-time with a try to Vilive Miramira.

Frank Lomani put the Drua in front with a 44th minute penalty goal before the Reds were down to 14 players temporarily as McReight was sin-binned. The home side seized on the advantage and added two more tries from Misake Doge and Tevita Ikanivere on 52nd and 60th minutes respectively.

Lomani kicked both the conversions to extend the Drua's lead to 34-17 before Joseva Tamani's try steered Fijian Drua to a comfortable win and to a play-off qualification.