The Rebels staged a strong second half comeback to snatch a 26-21 win over the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in their warm up match in Melbourne tonight.
The Drua started the match impressively and dominated the first spell.
Tries from hooker Tevita Ikanivere, lock Etonia Waqa and flanker Elia Canakaivata coupled with successful conversions from rookie fly-half Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, saw the visitors lead 21-7 at the break.
The only setback for the Drua in the first spell came in the 15th minute after fullback Ilaisa Droasese was pulled out due to a heavy knock to his knee.
The Rebels entered the second spell with a totally different focus and scored three unanswered tries, with the third eventuating just a minute before the final whistle.
The Drua now shift their focus to the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season opener against the Blues in Auckland next Saturday.
