Melbourne Rebels have opened their Super Rugby live pre-season campaign with a disappointing 24-0 loss to Fijian Drua. The Rebels travelled to Fiji for the first time but left empty-handed, unable to turn a swag of possession into any points.
Recruits, English lock Tim Cardall and hooker Alex Mafi, made their first appearance for the Rebels amongst a number of familiar faces such as Nambian Test flanker Richard Hardwick and Australia A halfback James Tuttle.
The suit became played over four quarters at Prince Charles Park in steamy conditions, with a huge home crowd turning out to assist the Drua. Both teams grew to become in a scrappy early displaying, scoreless through the outlet two stanzas.
Fijian Drua eventually broke the deadlock inside the third region via lock Kitione Salawa with playmaker Tuidraki Samusamuvodre stretching the lead to 12 points. Heavy rain then started to fall, similarly impacting the coping with, even as the coaches used the trial to check exclusive mixtures.
Former Fiji Sevens participant Iosefo Masi become subsequent to pass to the pride of locals enthusiasts, with flanker Joseva Tamani adding the final 5-pointer at the demise.
Despite the scoreline, Melbourne coach Kevin Foote said they took plenty from the game. Those conditions are hard – we’ve got never trained in the ones conditions,”
Foote advised reporters. We will examine the game with and of direction, we’ve got a younger group right here and we’re building.
With the countdown to Super Rugby Pacific ticking down all 12 teams have been hitting the training paddock hard in preparation for another huge season of action.
Ahead of it’s second year, Super Rugby Pacific will see the return of newcomers Fijian Drua and Moana Pacifika with both sides eager to make an even bigger impact on the competition and shock their Aussie and Kiwi rivals.
Ahead of the February 24 kick-off all 12 sides will play several trial matches across Australia and New Zealand in preparation.
Read on for the fixtures and results as they come to hand (all local times).
Saturday January 28
Fijian Drua 24-0 Melbourne Rebels
Wait For Us In Super Rugby Melbourne Rebels
Foorte stated the point of interest is now at the Brumbies in a pre-season clash, to be able to be held in weeks time.
Melbourne Rebels halfback Moses Sorovi promises a skip as Fijian Drua’s Rusiate Nasove and Chris Minimbi appearance on at some stage in the pre-season trial suit at Prince Charles Park, Nadi, on January 28, 2023.
The Melbourne Rebels can be a different aspect when the Super Rugby Pacific 2023 competition receives underway.
This changed into the gist of Rebels head coach Kevin Foorte’s message at some stage in an interview with SUNsports after their 24-0 loss to the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in their Shop N Save Super Rugby pre-season trial at Prince Charles Park in Nadi final Saturday.
Foorte said the focus is now on the Brumbies in a pre-season clash, with the intention to be held in two weeks time.
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