The Queensland Reds finally got it right in Fiji.
After three unsuccessful trips in the past, they returned to Lautoka and came away with a convincing 21-6 win over the Fijian Drua on Saturday. More than just the result, it was the manner of it — calm, controlled, and built on strong defence.
The Reds didn’t allow the Drua a single try, which is no small feat in Fiji. The home side never really found their rhythm, and every time they looked like building something, the Reds shut it down.
Harry Wilson, stepping in as captain, led from the front. He was busy in defence and carried well, setting the tone early. Around him, the Reds looked organised and disciplined, especially in tough, slippery conditions.
It was also a big night for some familiar Fijian faces in a Reds jersey. Filipo Daugunu and Seru Uru were among the standout performers, bringing energy and physicality on both sides of the ball.
At halfback, Kalani Thomas impressed in his first start of the season. He created the opening try with a smart chip kick and followed it up to score, showing good awareness. Flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips controlled the game well and added a try of his own.
The Drua had a big chance just before halftime but couldn’t take it, spilling a pass with the tryline open. That moment summed up their night.
Even when Jock Campbell was sent to the sin bin in his 100th game, the Reds held firm. They stayed composed, didn’t panic, and once back to full strength, pushed further ahead.
Late in the game, Richie Asiata came off the bench and scored from a rolling maul to seal the win and secure the bonus point.
It’s now four wins in a row for the Reds after losing their opening game of the season, and they’ve moved into the top three.
Next up is a tough trip to Wellington to face the Hurricanes, who are also in strong form. But after this performance, the Reds will head there with confidence.
As Wilson put it after the game, it was all about the defence — and it showed.
Queensland Reds 21 (Tries: Thomas, McLaughlin-Phillips, Asiata; Cons: McLaughlin-Phillips 3) def Fijian Drua 6 (Pens: Armstrong-Ravula 2)
Teams
Drua: 15 Iliasia Droasese, 14 Joji Nasova, 13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12 Isikeli Rabitu, 11 Ponipate Loganimasi, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Frank Lomani (captain), 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Haereiti Hetet
Replacements: 16 Sairusi Ravudi, 17 Peni Ravai, 18 Samuela Tawake, 19 Vilive Miramira, 20 Isoa Tuwai, 21 Motikiai Murray, 22 Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 23 Inia Tabuavoa
Reds: 15 Jock Campbell, 14 Filipo Daugunu, 13 Isaac Henry, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Tim Ryan, 10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 9 Kalani Thomas, 8 Harry Wilson (captain), 7 John Bryant, 6 Joe Brial, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Seru Uru, 3 Nick Bloomfield, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Aidan Ross
Replacements: 16 Richie Asiata, 17 George Blake, 18 Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, 19 Hamish Muller, 20 Vaiuta Latu, 21 Louis Werchon, 22 Ben Volavola, 23 Treyvon Pritchard
Referee: James Doleman
Assistant Referees: Marcus Playle, Fraser Hannon
TMO: Glenn Newman
English