The 2018 National Rugby Championship Final will be contested between the Fijian Drua and Queensland Country after two intense semifinals this weekend.
For the first time, the NRC Final will be competed in Fiji, with Queensland Country to meet their Fijian counterparts at 2.30pm AEDT at Churchill Park, Lautoka on Saturday.
In the first semifinal on Saturday, it was the Fijian Drua who came from behind to defeat the Canberra Vikings in Fiji despite the fact the Canberra Vikings dominated the contest for the best part of an hour.
Both sides scored five tries apiece but it was the boot of Enele Malele that put the home side ahead in the contest, taking the match 35-28.
It was torrential conditions on the Gold Coast for the second semifinal on Sunday afternoon when Queensland Country hosted the Western Force. With the lightning policy being introduced, play was delayed for several minutes in the second half.
Queensland Country shot out to take the lead but a strong fightback from the Western Force asked questions of the home side.
Ultimately, Queensland Country had done enough to win the game, finishing with seven tries to three in the 45-24 victory.
2018 National Rugby Championship Semi Finals
Fiji Drua 35
Tries: Lomani, Mawi, Radrodro, Tabulawaki, Penalty try Cons: Waqatabu, Malele 3
Canberra Vikings 28
Tries: Muirhead, Taliauli, Valetini, Banks, Lolesio Pens: Lolesio
Queensland Country 45
Tries: Scott-Young, Kibble, Hoopert, Feauai-Sautia, Petaia, Timu, Petaia Cons: Stewart 3 Pens: Stewart 2
Western Force 24
Tries: Lloyd, Tessmann, Lacey cons: Prior 3 Pens: 1
