Basic mistakes haunt the Fiji Airways Drua side as they lost to Queensland Country 24-17 in the Australian National Rugby Championship clash at Churchill Park, Lautoka yesterday.

“We cannot play catch-up rugby and hope to come out winners in the end,” Drua captain John Stewart said.

Coach Senirusi Seruvakula was disappointed with the indiscipline which saw three players got yellow carded.

The visitors relished the scorching heat with Queensland coach Brad Thorn happy that the weather turned out in their favour.

The match kicked off in disastrous circumstances for the Drua side when Queensland Country number eight Caleb Timu charged down a clearing kick from full-back Apisalome Waqatabu to score.

The tourists led 5-0 and Timu was once again the man of the moment when he scored from close range following some strong forward play by Queensland Country.

Inside centre Hamish Stewart converted and with the 12-0 lead, the Drua suddenly found their form.

Following the kickoff, the Fijians recovered from two quick lineouts and swung the ball into action with some mesmerising play which completely caught the Queenslanders napping.

Stewart scored which was converted by Waqatabu.

Fiji Airways Drua No.8 Peni Raidre looks for support against Queensland Country at Churchill Park, Lautoka on October 21, 2017. Photo: Arieta Vakasukawaqa

Halftime: Queensland Country 12-7 Fiji Airways Drua

Four minutes after the break the Drua side displayed their attacking prowess and offloads that culminated in first five-eighth Alivereti Veitokani sending Waqatabu to score, 12-12.

The try of the game came in the 65th minute when the Drua was awarded a freekick inside their 22- metre area.

The Drua took a quick tap and the ball was handed to  powerful winger Eroni Sau who busted the Queensland Country defence, outpaced the second line and send Frank Lomani to score in one exhilarating move.

Leading 17-12, the visitors knew they had a game on their hands and through some hard work in the forwards with pick and drive, Fijian born first five eighth Teti Tela scored, 17-17.

With 10 minutes remaining, Queensland Country once again relied on their heavy forwards to muscle their way up and a backline move saw Eto Nabuli score in the corner.

Stewart converted from wide out for Queensland to lead 24-17.

In a last ditched effort, the Drua once again went on the rampage and almost scored.
– Edited by  Osea  Bola

Feedback:  charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj