The Melbourne Rebels have secured their first win of 2022 in Super Rugby Pacific holding off the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua 42-27 at AAMI Park last night.
The Drua made several mistakes in the first half resulting in the Rebels scoring two tries through Jordan Uelese and Matt Philip.
Matt Tomua converted another 3 penalty to give the Rebels a 21-6 lead at the break.
The Drua re-settled in the second half and managed to score their first try through Kitione Salawa.
Replacement hooker Tevita Ikanivere and Kalaveti Ravouvou scored a try each in the 70th minute mark to keep the Drua in the game but the Rebels kept on the pressure.
Cameron Orr scored the Rebels final try, giving the host the bonus point victory.
In other results, Moana Pasifika claimed their first-ever win in Super Rugby beating the Hurricanes 24-19 and the Brumbies edged the Force 39-38.
The Highlanders will meet the Blues at 3.35pm today, the Chiefs will face the Crusaders at 6.05 tonight and the Reds will take on the Waratahs at 8.45 tonight.
MATCH REPORT
78': The Rebels answer straight back through Cameron Orr. Rebels 42-27
76': Kalaveti Ravouvou finishes an effort that started in their own 22 as the Drua continue their fightback. Rebels 35-27
74': Tevita Ikanivere dives over to hit straight back for the Drua. Rebels 35-20
71': Cabous Eloff continues his try-scoring streak as the Rebels look to seal the win. Rebels 35-13
67': The Drua strike straight away with Hodge in the bin through Kitione Salawa. Rebels 28-13
65': After a wild series of phases, the Drua go close but are held out. Reece Hodge is yellow carded for hands in the ruck.
49': Ray Nu'u bursts through the defence off the lineout. Rebels 28-6
46': The Drua look to build pressure but some great cover defence from Andrew Kellaway and Reece Hodge puts them into touch.
HALF TIME: MELBOURNE REBELS 21 - FIJIAN DRUA 6
40+1': Brilliant work by Brad Wilkin earns the Rebels a penalty on the sire, with Matt To'omua making no mistake. Rebels 21-6
38': Tela nails his second as the Drua work their way back into the contest. Rebels 18-6
33': Teti Tela puts the Fijian Drua on the board with a penalty. Rebels 18-3
28': The Rebels extend their margin after a nice kick from Reece Hodge puts them 5 metres out, with Jordan Uelese capitalising from the rolling maul. Rebels 18-0
17': To'omua adds his second as they build scoreboard pressure. Rebels 11-0
10': Matt To'omua adds three more as the Rebels start strong. Rebels 8-0
4': Matt Philip opens the scoring as he reaches over following some positive phases. Rebels 5-0
REBELS 42
TRIES: Philip, Uelese, Nu'u, Eloff, Orr
CONS: To'omua 4/5
PENS: To'omua 3/3
DRUA 27
TRIES: Salawa, Ikanivere, Ravouvou
CONS: Tela 3/3
PENS: Tela 2/2
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