Drua in Fiji denies Reds a losing bonus point, as Suli Vunivalu is sent off for tripping.
Drua in Fiji denies Reds a losing bonus point, as Suli Vunivalu is sent off for tripping.
After being sent out for two trips during the Queensland Reds’ 28-19 loss to the Drua on Saturday afternoon, Suliasi Vunivalu’s return to Suva ended in disaster.
George Blake’s try to score off a rolling maul gave the Reds a six-point lead after they had been “punched in the face” by the home team, who had scored two tries in the first ten minutes.
But after the full-time siren, Drua playmaker Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula was called for a penalty, which not only sealed the nine-point victory but also kept the Reds from earning a losing bonus point.
“Look, we got hit in the face early,” Liam Wright, the co-captain of the Reds stated.
“We were losing tackles due to poor contact, and Fiji is a formidable running team, particularly when playing in front of their home crowd.” After the previous results, we knew they would.
However, the struggle and recovery were excellent. Particularly in the latter part of the game, we managed to get back into it.
However, the penalty that allowed three points just before halftime was undoubtedly the game’s most important narrative. We were losing some of the opportunities we were creating because of that lack of discipline, especially in our A-zone.
The visitors won the penalty count 9–12. The Reds were not assisted by the loss of Vunivalu, who was given his second yellow card in the 46th minute for extending his right leg and making contact with Selestino Ravutaumada close to the tryline.
However, they hardly ever capitalized on their opportunities, as the Reds’ lineout was frequently exploited.
Additionally, the Drua’s tryline defense held firm.
We as forwards take great satisfaction in our ability to create space for our backs, so we need to improve there. “Look, our lineout didn’t function well enough. The Drua put a lot of pressure on there,” Wright continued.
Most likely also our breakdown. I believed we were straining, but they were keeping a good distance between us and our cleaners.
Fraser McReight was also quite busy, and Tate McDermott was back to his brilliant best around the ruck, in addition to Wright.
However, Hunter Paisami was the standout player for the Reds; in the twelfth minute, Floyd Aubrey scored a try in response to an accurate kick from the inside center, which set up the first try.
After an hour and a half, Lawson Creighton astonished everyone by breaking the ball and scored the second goal for the Reds.
Shortly after, Armstrong-Ravula scored a penalty kick to give the home team an 18–14 advantage. The visitors paid the price.
Tevita Ikanivere, a remarkable hooker, scored his second try early in the second half.
The Reds appeared to be stunned by the converted try, especially after Vunivalu was given a second yellow card for an inept error.
However, the Drua’s handling, scrum, and work around the ruck collapsed, leaving them with little territory.
After losing a few important players, such as Matt Faessler, the Reds eventually found their way through Blake.
However, it was insufficient as the Drua established themselves among the top eight.
Ikanivere remarked, “We didn’t perform well last week, but we did this week.” That was done for our loved ones and friends.
The group did a good job today. I believe everyone that I challenged this week to come today did so. I was there at the appropriate time, therefore that’s why I got the chances.
