Melbourne seek Super Rugby finals after Fiji romp

Melbourne’s first Super Rugby Pacific finals berth is still in reach after they stormed home in the second half to defeat Fijian Drua 41–20.

At AAMI Park on Friday night, the Rebels were behind 20–15 at the break. However, with star five-eighth Carter Gordon in charge, they scored two tries in the next four minutes to gain momentum.

The Rebels climbed the ladder into fourth place for the first time after winning by six tries and bonus points.

In an attempt to narrow the five-point halftime deficit, Gordon’s long cut-out pass to winger Glen Vaihu was intercepted and followed by a rolling maul from flanker Maciu Nabolakasi, who scored the game’s winning goal.

After 53 minutes, Vaihu added his second, extending the lead to 34–20.

The visitors’ doom looked all but certain when the Drua lost former Rebels halfback Frank Lomani for a purposeful foul when he elbowed lock Josh Canham.

Melbourne pursued a bonus point, and thanks to some impressive defensive plays by Gordon and a standout performance from star prop Taniela Tupou off the bench, the Rebels increased their lead.

Gordon found Filipo Daugunu on the wing after he had moved out of the centres. Daugunu slipped, taking the defence by surprise, and then sprinted along the sideline to touch down.

After he was red-carded for trying to head-butt Rebels hooker Alex Mafi, Jone Koroiduadua joined Lomani on the bench as the Fijians, who had won their previous two games, became irate.

Next Saturday night at AAMI Park, Melbourne takes on the Highlanders in an attempt to win three straight games.

FOR MORE NEWS CLICK HERE