Reds beat Drua 21-6 For first win in Fiji

Fijian Drua 6-21 Queensland Reds, Lautoka

Queensland Reds produced a disciplined and clinical display to beat the Fijian Drua 21-6 at Churchill Park in Lautoka, securing their first-ever win in Fiji and stretching their winning run to four matches.

It was also the first time the Reds had won away to the Drua after three previous unsuccessful visits, and the result pushed them into the top three of the Super Rugby Pacific standings.

In difficult hot and slippery conditions, the Reds handled the contest far better than the home side. Their defence was the standout feature of the match as they kept the Drua try-less throughout the full 80 minutes, a rare outcome against a team usually so dangerous on home soil.

Reds Handle Conditions Better

The Drua had entered the match chasing a third straight home win, but their attack never found its usual rhythm. Queensland’s defensive line stayed organised and physical, forcing repeated handling mistakes and limiting the hosts to two penalties.

The Reds also showed smart game management. Captain Harry Wilson, leading the side in place of the rested Fraser McReight, set the tone with strong carries and important defensive reads. Filipo Daugunu and Seru Uru were equally influential, making important contributions on both sides of the ball.

Thomas Opens The Scoring

Queensland struck first through scrum-half Kalani Thomas, who impressed in his first start at number nine this season. Thomas sparked the move with a clever chip kick and then backed up well to finish the try himself.

The Reds continued to look more composed in general play, while the Drua let a major chance slip just before halftime when fullback Ilaisa Droasese lost control of a simple pass with the try line open. That moment summed up a frustrating afternoon for the hosts.

Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula kicked two penalties for Fijian Drua making it 6-7 at the end of the opening half.

McLaughlin-Phillips And Asiata Seal It

The second half followed a similar pattern. Jock Campbell was shown a yellow card in his 100th Reds appearance for slowing the ball down, but even with 14 men Queensland held firm and did not concede a try.

Once back to full strength, the Reds moved further ahead. Wilson and Uru combined powerfully to create momentum before Harry McLaughlin-Phillips stepped through two defenders near the ruck to score. Substitute hooker Richie Asiata then crossed from a rolling maul in the 63rd minute to secure the decisive third try and seal the bonus point.

It was a composed and deserved victory for the Reds, who ended their Fiji hoodoo in impressive style and now head to Wellington full of confidence.

Team line up:

Fijian Drua: 15 Iliasia Droasese, 14 Joji Nasova, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12 Isikeli Rabitu, 11 Ponipate Loganimasi, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Frank Lomani (captain), 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Haereiti Hetet

Reserves: 16 Sairusi Ravudi, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Vilive Miramira, 20 Isoa Tuwai, 21 Motikiai Murray, 22 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 23 Inia Tabuavoa

Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Isaac Henry, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Tim Ryan, 10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 9 Kalani Thomas, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 John Bryant, 6 Joe Brial, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Seru Uru, 3 Nick Bloomfield, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Aidan Ross

Reserves: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 George Blake, 18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19 Hamish Muller, 20 Vaiuta Latu, 21 Louis Werchon, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Treyvon Pritchard