Rebels v Drua

[Duluth]

Rebels Media  /  Apr 2, 2024

Rebels Ready for Crucial Game with Drua in Melbourne

Matt Gibbon, Jordan Uelese, Sam Talakai (c), Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Angelo Smith, Maciu Nabolakasi, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Glen Vaihu, David Feliuai, Filipo Daugunu, Darby Lancaster, Nick Jooste

Reserves: Alex Mafi, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Daniel Maiava, Vaiolini Ekuasi, James Tuttle, Matt Proctor, Mason Gordon

[Duluth]

FIJIAN DRUA MEN’S SQUAD NAMED FOR MELBOURNE REBELS MATCH, IKANIVERE CLEARED TO PLAY | Fijian Drua

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have named their squad for the crucial Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Melbourne Rebels this Friday.

Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Leone Rotuisolia, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Epeli Momo, Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese

Reserves: Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Jone Koroiduadua, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Waqa Nalaga, Taniela Rakuro

[Duluth]

From stuff

At home in Fiji, the Drua have an 8-3 win-loss record, with one of the losses coming by just three points and another coming by just one. In Australia, they are 2-14, with both wins coming in home-away-from-home games they played there in 2022. In New Zealand they are 1-6, with the lone win coming over the hapless Moana Pasifika.

The Drua haven’t won outside Fiji for 11 matches, but they will look at three of their remaining four away fixtures as excellent opportunities to change their record, starting with Friday night’s visit to Melbourne and the Rebels, a team they have a 2-1 record against.

Their next trip, to Canberra to play the Brumbies, is their toughest remaining, with the Force and the Highlanders the other two teams they should be aiming to topple.

[Dan54]

I just somehow think the Rebels will sneak this one. They not all that bad, and Drua away from home not quite the same beast as at home.

[Duluth]

Ha good start Drua

[Duluth]

Not quite.. called back for a knock on

[Duluth]

Well that was a costly missed kick for touch

[African Monkey]

Lol Harrison having a cry as usual.

[Duluth]

Drua were in control. Dumb card and now behind by 9

[Duluth]

Now an even stupider red card

[African Monkey]

Well that was stupid from Lomani.

[antipodean]

How is Lomani surprised that an elbow to the back of the head off the ball is worthy of a red card?

[Duluth]

It wouldn’t have been legal in UFC either. A 12 to 6 elbow to the back of the head

[African Monkey]

And another stupid red from the Drua.

Are the Drua well tonight?

[antipodean]

Discipline a real issue with the Drua in this match. Although having said that, the Rebels hooker seems like a right fluffybunny worthy of a headbutt. Dane Coles like niggle. Can't argue with the end effect. Good stuff.

[Duluth]

Should be a couple of long suspensions

[antipodean]

@Duluth said in Rebels v Drua:

Should be a couple of long suspensions

Yep, no tackle school discount here. Six weeks minimum.

[NTA]

@antipodean said in Rebels v Drua:

@Duluth said in Rebels v Drua:

Should be a couple of long suspensions

Yep, no tackle school discount here. Six weeks minimum.

No Jordie Barrett discount?

[antipodean]

@NTA Try as I might, I can't see a technique mitigation in either card.

[NTA]

When Carter Gordon gets onto a line with the ball, he is really good to watch.

But the kicking ... Jeez...