Rugby

Second loss for Super W champs

April 17, 2023 7:56 am

[Source: Fiji Rugby / Facebook]

Defending Super W champions the Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua lost their second match going down 23-10 to Western Force.

The Drua played for 46 minutes with 14 players after Nunia Uluikadavu copped a red card in the 36th minute.

Fijiana Drua conceded 23 penalties in the match which proved to be their downfall.

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Fullback Lavenia Tinai got over the tryline for the first try after a typical Fijian quick tap and a few offloads in the ninth minute.

The Force tied the game up through openside flanker Leah Miles after the Fijiana was reduced to 14 players when Uluikadavu copped a yellow card for a high tackle.

Martha Mataele extended the hosts lead when she dived over in the corner.

Tinai got her second in a similar build up to the first try with the tap and go that was started by Jade Coates followed by a strong carry by Sulita Waisega.

However, it was a big blow for the Fijians when Uluikadavu received her marching orders after her second yellow card for a high shot on the same player in the 34th minute.

Both sides hit the break locked at 10-all.

The Force camped in Fiji’s half for 15 minutes and only managed three points via a penalty as the Drua’s defense was solid.

The referee missed a knock on in the 18th minute which later led to a try two minutes later.

Indiscipline ruined the Drua’s campaign after another yellow card as they remained scoreless in the second spell.

The Drua will take on Reds next Sunday.