The Fijian Drua put on a spirited display at the National Stadium yesterday, but were unable to get across the line against the ACT Brumbies during their Super Rugby Pacific 2025 season opener.
The Fijian Drua won the coin toss and opted to receive the kick-off. Immediately the Brumbies capitalised, scoring within the first three minutes from a driving maul.
The first half saw the Drua concede two yellow cards in quick sucession to Isikeli Rabitu and Vuate Karawalevu. They fought valiantly with just 13 men, but the moments of indiscipline were costly.
Still, two successful penalty kicks by Muntz and a converted try from Ponipate Loganimasi had the Drua back in the lead 20 -17 heading into the break.
Throughout the afternoon Brumbies hooker Billy Pollard was relentless in defence.
Elia Canakaivata was strong all afternoon for the Drua. He was big in the tackle areas, winning a couple of crucial turnovers.
Canakivata and Ikanivere were the best forwards for the Drua. They gave it their all each time they ran with the ball in hand.
The Brumbies regrouped in the second half, although the Drua showed some moments of brilliance.
Elia Canakaivata broke the Brumbies defense line to free up replacement halfback Frank Lomani, who then sets up Vuate Karawalevu in the right hand wing for a beautiful swan dive try.
Karawalevu dived over again just two minutes from his first, after scooping a Brumbies loose carry to dot underneath the uprights.
Flyhalf Noah Lolesio was deadly with the boot, slotting in nearly every kick presented for the Brumbies.
But the Canberra side fought hard for their pursuit for victory. Inch by inch and phase after phase, ‘pick n go’ and driving maul were their best strategies against the Drua.
Openside flanker Luke Reimer was instrumental. He was key in defence and scored two decisive tries to edge his team in front with just five minutes remaining in the game.
The Brumbies held on. Final score Drua 32 – 36 Brumbies.
Speaking after the game, Fijian Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson said, “I’m proud of the boys especially going down to 13 men is not ideal. But I think it shows their character when they bounced back and took the lead. We definitely had our opportunities in the second half. We knew the Brumbies were going really hard in the breakdown and they were awarded pretty well for it”.
The Brumbies have won Super Rugby many times. We were right in the sniff to win that but we didn’t, which is disappointing. But I think a bonus point is crucial. I think we’re learning a couple of disciplinary issues that we let go…We will review that on Monday”, added Jackson.
“It’s great to play in Suva. The crowd was outstanding. It wasn’t a good day in terms of the weather but great to see a full house here. So credit to the Suva community and the public for coming out to enjoy a bit of footy”, said Jackson.
