Drua flanker compared to Radike Samo after epic try
The Fijian Drua and the Reds served up a match for the ages on Saturday at the Suncorp Stadium in Super Rugby Pacific, with the visitors narrowly losing at the death.
Having led 28-9 with 15 minutes remaining, it looked as though it was going to be an easy win for the Reds. But then the Drua suddenly became unplayable, scoring three tries from all areas of the pitch to make the scores 28-28. Though a late try did deliver a win for the Reds, this was an epic.
One try in particular from the Drua has drawn comparisons to a former Australia international, Fijian-born Radike Samo. Replacement flanker Joseva Tamani snapped up a spilt ball by the reds on the edge of his 22 and then burst down the field without a Reds player coming near him. This was immense pace from the forward, drawing comparisons to the former Reds No8 Samo from Fiji wing Nemani Nadolo.
Samo scored some epic tries over his career, and could even play on the wing such was his incredible pace. This run from the 24-year-old Tamani was equally impressive as he seemed to eat up the ground with ease.
These were the teams:
Reds XV
15 Jordan Petaia
14 Jock Campbell
13 Hunter Paisami
12 Hamish Stewart
11 Josh Flook
10 James O'Connor
9 Kalani Thomas
8 Harry Wilson
7 Fraser McReight
6 Seru Uru
5 Angus Blyth
4 Ryan Smith
3 Taniela Tupou
2 Josh Nasser
1 Harry Hoopert
Replacements
16 Matthew Faessler
17 Feao Fotuaika
18 Zane Nonggorr
19 Connor Vest
20 Tuaina Taii Tualima
21 Spencer Jeans
22 Lawson Creighton
23 Mac Grealy
Fijian Drua
15 Baden Kerr
14 Selestino Ravutaumada
13 Apisalome Vota
12 Kalaveti Ravouvou
11 Vinaya Habosi
10 Teti Tela
9 Peni Matawalu
8 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
7 Vilive Miramira
6 Meli Derenalagi
5 Ratu Rotuisolia
4 Isoa Nasilasila
3 Samuela Tawake
2 Mesulame Dolokoto
1 Kaliopasi Uluilakepa
Replacements
16 Zuriel Togiatama
17 Jone Koroiduadua
18 Manasa Saulo
19 Sorovakatini Tuifagalele
20 Joseva Tamani
21 Frank Lomani
22 Jona Mataiciwa
23 Onisi Ratave
Take a look at the try: