Rebels end losing streak with win over Fijian Drua
SUPER RUGBY REPORT: Melbourne have cracked their first win of the Super Rugby Pacific season, getting revenge on Fijian Drua with a spirited 42-27 victory at AAMI Park.
The Rebels were third-round losers to the Drua but delivered their best performance of the season on Friday to end a 10-game losing streak dating back to last season.
The Fijians surged late in the match, scoring two tries in three minutes but Rebels reserve prop Cameron Orr countered before full-time to seal the win.
Moana Pasifika also chalked up their first victory, upsetting the Hurricanes in golden-point extra time in Auckland in the early Friday match before the Rebels got to work.
The home side were up 21-6 by half-time, playing smart rugby to put the Fijians off their game.
With props Cabous Eloff and Matt Gibbon leading the way, and new halfback James Tuttle playing with purpose, they crossed after five minutes with Wallabies lock Matt Philip planting the ball after a seven-phase build-up.
Two penalty kicks by Matt Toomua extended the lead to 11-0 before pumped up hooker Jordan Uelese erupted after he took the ball from the back of the maul to touch down.
While the Drua also got on the board through two penalties, kicked by flyhalf Teti Tela, the Rebels had the last say of the half through Toomua's boot.
To the pleasure of their coach Kevin Foote, Melbourne stuck to their structured game plan in the second half with exciting young centre Ray Nu'u finding a hole in the defence in the 48th minute.
The home side remained on guard for a trademark second-half fightback by their opponents, having given up a 14-0 lead in their previous clash.
They showed desperate defence to repel a 16-phase raid before the Fijians took a quick tap and Kitione Salawa skipped through.
Melbourne also lost star fullback Reece Hodge to a yellow card as he tried to pilfer the ball from offside moments before the try.
While the Fijians turned up the heat, with Kaleveti Ravouvou crossing in an 85-metre effort that went through eight sets of hands, tries by Eloff and Orr secured a well-deserved win.
It was disappointing for the Drua after two tight losses to the Western Force and Queensland Reds as they find their feet in the competition.
The scorers:
For Melbourne Rebels:
Tries: Philip, Uelese, Nu’u, Eloff, Orr
Cons: To’omua 4
Pens: To’omua 3
For Fijian Drua:
Tries: Salawa, Ikanivere, Ravouvou
Cons: Tela 3
Pens: Tela 2
Teams:
Melbourne Rebels: 15 Reece Hodge, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Stacey Ili, 12 Raymond Nu’u, 11 Glen Vaihu, 10 Matt To’omua, 9 James Tuttle, 8 Michael Wells (captain), 7 Richard Hardwick, 6 Brad Wilkin, 5 Josh Hill, 4 Matt Philip, 3 Cabous Eloff, 2 Jordan Uelese, 1 Matt Gibbon.
Replacements: 16 James Hanson, 17 Cameron Orr, 18 Rhys van Nek, 19 Daniel Maiava, 20 Sam Wallis, 21 Joe Powell, 22 Carter Gordon, 23 George Worth.
Fijian Drua: 15 Kitione Ratu, 14 Selestino Ravutaumada, 13 Apisalome Vota, 12 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 11 Vinaya Habosi, 10 Teti Tela, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Nemani Nagusa (captain), 7 Vilive Miramira, 6 Joseva Tamani, 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 4 Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, 3 Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Jone Koroiduadua.
Replacements: 16 Tevita Ikanivere, 17 Haereiti Hetet, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Viliame Rarasea, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Peni Matawalu, 22 Caleb Muntz, 23 Jona Mataiciwa.
Referee: Jordan Way
Assistant referees: Reuben Keane, Amber McLachlan
TMO: Oli Kellett