Isikeli Rabitu played a crucial role for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, battling past the Queensland Reds for a narrow 36-33 victory at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva. This hard-fought win marks the Drua’s third victory out of 12 matches in the Super Rugby Pacific competition this season and their first home win of the year.
In a thrilling finish, Rabitu broke through the Reds’ defenses in the final moments, allowing the Drua to clinch the victory after trailing earlier in the match. Rabitu credited his team’s success to their collective effort and focus on overcoming challenges. “The only thing I told myself was to go in, do the work to the best of my ability and role, and it ended up in the team getting the win today,” he expressed.
Drua captain Mesake Doge acknowledged the significance of the win, particularly after a challenging week for the team. He reflected on the effort put in by the players, especially toward the end of the match when the pressure was highest. Doge contributed to the scoreline with an unconverted try early in the match, displaying his leadership on the field.
Reds head coach Les Kiss noted his side’s awareness of the dangers posed by the Drua, stating, “We knew that if they got the game going, they can be dangerous.” The match was characterized by intense back-and-forth exchanges, highlighting the competitive spirit of both teams.
Looking ahead, the Drua are eager to build on this momentum as they prepare to face the Blues on Friday, hoping to capitalize on the confidence gained from their latest performance.
This victory not only adds to the Drua’s overall tally for the season but also embodies the undying spirit of Fijian rugby. The support from the fans, combined with the team’s fighting spirit, inspires hope for continued success as the season progresses.
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