A second half “disintegration” from the Fiji Drua has helped the Melbourne Rebels come-from-behind to seal back-to-back wins and temporarily move into the top four on the Super Rugby standings.
Trailing 20-8 after 34 minutes, the Rebels scored 33 unanswered points, including four second half tries, to pull off an important win the beleaguered franchise.
They were helped by two moments of complete madness from the Drua, as experienced international halfback Frank Lomani, who previously played for the Rebels, elbowed Josh Canham in the back of the head as the lock cleaned his opponent out in the 56th minute.
The incident was initially missed by on-field referee Damon Murphy, but after being tipped off by his Television Match Official of the hit, it didn’t take long for the red card to be produced.
Frank Lomani was sent off for an elbow of Josh Canham at AAMI Park on April 05, 2024, in Melbourne. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Lomani vented his frustration immediately and kicked his chair as he headed to the sideline, but the blood on the back of Canham’s head revealed the force of the shot from the in-form No.9.
Less than 20 minutes later, he was joined on the sidelines by Jone Koroiduadua.
After a frustrating second-half, the replacement prop grazed Alex Mafi’s jaw in a head butt as the two got close and personal following a set-piece.
Once again, Murphy pulled out the red card immediately.
Not only did the two reckless moments cost the Drua dearly, but both will likely have a lengthy stint on the sidelines following the brain explosions.
Former Wallaby Justin Harrison described the two moments as “insane and total stupidity”.
Two-time World Cup winner Tim Horan said it was “crazy stuff from the Fiji Drua”.