The Fijian Drua have produced a stunning second-half demolition job, knocking over the Melbourne Rebels 40-19 on a wet afternoon in Lautoka.
Coming into half-time 19-19, with the visitors dominating in the forward pack and the stats, the hosts scored four tries to none in front of a raucous local crowd.
The result sees the Drua move above the Rebels in the Super Rugby standings to finish the regular season in Seventh – meaning next week they will likely face a trip to Auckland, Wellington – or if results surprise this afternoon in New Zealand – Canberra.
As a result, the Rebels have subsequently dropped to Eighth on the ladder, being equal in competition points with the Drua, but with fewer wins and a worse points differential.
Taniela Tupou of the Melbourne Rebels runs with the ball during the round 15 Super Rugby Pacific match between Fijian Drua and Melbourne Rebels at Churchill Park, on June 01, 2024, in Lautoka, Fiji. (Photo by Pita Simpson/Getty Images)
However, more critically, the Drua victory puts finals placings out of reach for the last two sides chasing the top eight – the Crusaders and the Western Force.
The Crusaders killed Moana Pasifika’s finals hopes in their 43-10 victory last night, however both the Canterbury side and the Force needed a Rebels victory to keep their finals hopes alive.
The result kills the seasons for both sides, with the Crusaders set to miss finals for the first time since 2015, while the Force will have to wait another year for the chance to make their maiden Super Rugby finals berth.
The result locks in the eight teams that will do battle for the Super Rugby trophy next week – although the make-up of the top of the ladder could still change based on results later this afternoon.
More to follow.