The Queensland Reds have shut out the Drua to emphatically end their Fiji drought and push into the Super Rugby Pacific top three. The visitors kept the Drua try-less in Saturday's bonus point 21-6 win in Lautoka, securing their first win in four visits and a fourth-straight victory for the first time in four years.
The numbers tell a powerful story here. The Queensland Reds have never won in Fiji against the Fijian Drua until now, making this a watershed moment for the franchise. The Queensland Reds have toured Fiji at least three times: in 2023, 2024, and 2025; and have lost on all occasions. Those previous defeats included a heartbreaking last-gasp loss to the Drua, who scored in the final minute of their last meeting.
What makes this victory even more remarkable is the personnel missing from the Reds squad. Captain and star No.7 Fraser McReight didn't make the trip, nor did in-form flyhalf Carter Gordon. Josh Flook, who this week confirmed his move to Italy's Benneton next season, is out injured while Test prop Zane Nonggorr has also been rested. These absences represented a significant test of squad depth, yet the Reds passed it conclusively.
The Reds' rampaging Fijian duo Filipo Daugunu and Seru Uru were fantastic on both sides of the ball as the usually buoyant home crowd were silenced. Captain Harry Wilson, standing in for the rested Fraser McReight, set the tone with some good reads in defence and bullocking runs while No.10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips scored a try and controlled proceedings with in-form flyhalf Carter Gordon also left at home.
The match unfolded as a defensive clinic. 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. When Jock Campbell was sent to the bin for a cynical foul in his 100th game, the Reds held firm while down to 14 men and then moved further ahead once he returned.
Substitute hooker Richie Asiata then sealed the contest and secured the bonus point with a rolling maul try in the 63rd minute. By that point, the result was no longer in doubt, and the Reds had demonstrated they could win where it matters most: in the toughest environments.
Looking forward, the Reds, having also rested Test prop Zane Nonggorr, now travel to Wellington to face the first-placed Hurricanes (4-1), who beat the Highlanders 50-7 on Friday. That contest will provide a fuller picture of where this Queensland side stands in the competition. But with four straight wins under their belt and key players returning from rest, the Reds have built genuine momentum heading into a crucial mid-season period.