Drua vs Reds takes: ‘Man possessed’ Daugunu shines as Reds make history

The Queensland Reds have made team history in Super Rugby Pacific by claiming their first-ever win away to the Fijian Drua. Filipo Daugunu, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and John Bryant were among the standouts as the Queenslanders secured a 21-6 win at Churchill Park.

Wallabies Fraser McReight, Carter Gordon and Zane Nonggorr were rested for the round six match in Lautoka, but the Reds squad stepped up in their absences. One-Test Wallaby Kalani Thomas was named to start for the first time this season, joining McLaughlin-Phillips in the halves.

Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula nailed an early penalty goal to give the Drua a 3-0 lead, before Thomas hit back for the Reds 12 minutes later. The Drua No. 10 converted another shot at goal later in the first half, making it a one-point game going into the break.

Both teams had reasons to believe going into the second term, but the Queenslanders controlled the second 40 as they ran away with a maiden win in Fiji. McLaughlin-Phillips and Richie Asiata both got on the scoresheet during the runaway result.

‘Man possessed’ is in near career-best form

Filipo Daugunu has been in near career-best form to start the season.

Daugunu made an appearance off the bench against the Highlanders in round three before earning a place in the run-on side. It’s safe to say the 31-year-old has taken every opportunity with both hands, which included an eye-catching performance against the Drua.

Following last weekend’s impressive display against the NSW Waratahs, Daugunu was named on the right wing to face the Drua. Daugunu started the match with a tackle on Frank Lomani off the kick-off, although it resulted in a penalty.

But that effort set the tone for the match, with Daugunu eager to make a difference. The winger’s first highlight came in the 17^th minute, having run back to collect a Drua clearance before beating a couple of defenders with fast feet.

Daugunu was safe under the high ball and was a wrecking ball in attack. By the half-time break, Daugunu was a clear leader for total running metres with 80, while milestone man Jock Campbell was among those high on the list.

“It’s down that right wing with Filipo Daugunu. Having a blinder of a game,” Flying Fijians great Nemani Nadolo said on commentary.

“He’s just been a man possessed every time he gets that ball. Always beating the first tackle.

“He’s been very impressive this first 20 minutes.”

Daugunu helped create something from nothing to set up Kalani Thomas for Queensland’s first try of the afternoon. Then, early in the second term, the No. 14 won a pilfer penalty as the Drua piled on the pressure by attacking inside the red zone.

If we look back on Daugunu’s career, he has been a game-changing difference across stints with the Reds and Melbourne Rebels. Daugunu was also one of the standouts during Joe Schmidt’s first two matches in charge of the Wallabies.

But Daugunu’s form over the last month has been something special.

The moments that would’ve changed the match

The Queensland Reds have done what very few teams in Super Rugby Pacific manage to do: win against the Drua in Fiji. It’s a tough assignment for any side, with the high-flying Hurricanes and Brumbies both losing in Fiji this season, but the Reds have passed the test.

In the end, the Reds actually won relatively comfortably. That result is especially impressive when you consider the changes to this Queensland lineup and the players that were missing – but keep scrolling to read more about that.

If we cast our minds back one week for a moment, the Brumbies controlled both the possession and territory battles, but they weren’t able to get the job done in Ba. This weekend, it was a similar story for the Drua, who missed some crucial opportunities to strike.

Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula missed a penalty attempt during the first half, and the Drua couldn’t capitalise on two try-scoring opportunities just before the break. First, if Ponipate Loganimasi had caught the ball in the 41^st minute, the Olympic silver medallist likely would’ve scored.

But even if Loganimasi had caught the ball and then passed it on, fullback Ilaisa Droasese was unmarked along the left sideline. Droasese had another chance to score in the next phase, but dropped a Tuidraki Samusamuvodre pass cold with no defenders applying real pressure.

60 minutes into the match, the Drua had more possession and territory, but the Reds led on the scoreboard as the bench made a real impact. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips and Richie Asiata scored a try each in quick succession, as the Queenslanders made their chances count.

“For us we didn’t capitalise on what we spoke about this week,” Drua captain Frank Lomani said post-game. “We got to their side and we couldn’t execute putting our pressure into points. It was so unfortunate for us.”

The big winner from the ‘test of the Reds’ depth’

Commentator Greg Clarke spoke early in the second half about the “test of the Reds’ depth” this week, with a number of players unavailable. Among those not selected to face the Drua were Wallabies Fraser McReight, Carter Gordon and Zane Nonggorr.

Coach Les Kiss explained those three were being rested, which was always going to be a talking point out of this fixture. McReight has led by example as Queensland’s new captain this season, while Gordon has been a match-winning hero in the team’s last two matches.

With Nonggorr an ever-reliable option at the set-piece, there were big shoes for players to fill in this Reds lineup. Tighthead Nick Bloomfield was named alongside two Wallabies in the front row, John Bryant replaced McReight, and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips started at fly-half.

Fiji is not an easy place to win but the Reds outfit showed some really good signs at Churchill Park, which included a 50/22 for McLaughlin-Phillips in the 32^nd minute. But among the changes, the big winner for the Reds this week was Kalani Thomas.

Thomas wore the No. 9 jersey for the first time this season, having come off the bench in other matches. The one-Test Wallaby scored a try during the first half, kicked well and provided quality ball with a quick passing game.

Tim ‘The Junkyard Dog’ Ryan set up Thomas for the five-pointer in the 25^th minute, but the No. 9 reaped the rewards of some hard work off the ball and a perfect support line. “Brilliant work by the Queensland Reds,” Clarke exclaimed.

Mclaughlin-Phillips continued to show signs of promise after Thomas was replaced, with the fly-half scoring a try around the 55-minute mark. But it’s Thomas who has given Les Kiss the biggest selection headache before facing the Hurricanes in Wellington next weekend.