The Fijian Drua is on song for their Super Rugby campaign after they beat the Melbourne Rebels 28-26 in Melbourne on Thursday.
The franchise has been preparing for their debut season for the past three months and didn't disappoint in its final pre-season trial match.
Photo: Supplied
The team scored four converted tries and displayed good intensity and flair against the more established Rebels unit.
Captain Nemani Nagusa said it was a good all-round performance from the team.
"I'm really proud of the boys and the way they turned out today and fought back. We started well and held off in the middle and we finished strong. All credit to the boys and the hard work they've put in."
Nagusa said while they played well, there's still plenty to learn from and they'll be looking back on the match to take any lessons from it.
"The coaches have some tips and we'll look at the things we did wrong in the game and polish them before the game next week."
Fijian Drua after the match Photo: Fijian Drua
The Drua will play its inaugural Super Rugby Pacific match against the New South Wales Waratahs next Friday.
Nagusa is backing his team's involvement in Super Rugby Pacific to have a major impact on the development of the sport in his homeland as the countdown towards their opening game ticks down.
"Young Fijians who are playing in the local competitions, they can come and now have a team to work hard and try to get into to play against the world's best in a competition that we look up to and watched as a young kid growing up back at home," he said.
"It means a lot and it's a huge opportunity. I'm really proud to be made captain and to be here as a Fijian.
"(The) first game against the Waratahs will force us to focus on the big plan the coaches have in place, it's a big chance to express ourselves and show Fijian players."
