The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua faced a tough loss against the Brumbies, narrowly falling 36-32 in their opening match of the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. The defeat exemplified the challenges ahead, as the Drua need to secure victories at home in order to keep their playoff hopes alive, given that only the top six teams qualify.
In their recent match held in Suva, the Drua demonstrated promise but faltered in crucial moments. With two players in the sin bin early on, the Brumbies took advantage, building a 17-7 lead. Yet the Drua rallied, scoring 13 unanswered points to lead 20-17 by halftime. Despite leading by 8 points late in the game, their inability to encapsulate the victory allowed the Brumbies to emerge victorious, breaking an Australian franchise curse in Fiji.
Head Coach Glen Jackson highlighted the persistent issue of discipline that has plagued the team over the past three years. He explained that it’s not solely about the number of penalties but the timing that affects the outcome of crucial matches. However, there were bright spots to celebrate, such as the performances of debutants Vuate Karawalevu, who scored two tries, and Ponipate Loganimasi, who also made an impactful debut.
Looking ahead, the Drua refocuses their efforts on a crucial match against the Hurricanes in Napier, with Jackson implementing 13 changes to the starting lineup. This strategy aims to refresh the team dynamic and capitalize on the strengths of both seasoned players and newcomers. The inclusion of Inia Tabuavou, who returns to Fiji after playing in France, and seasoned player Peni Ravai on the bench are significant moves aimed at addressing the team’s breakdown and discipline challenges.
As both the Drua and the Hurricanes seek redemption after earlier setbacks, anticipation builds around the match scheduled for 3:35 PM local time. The high stakes of this encounter could serve as a turning point for the Drua’s season, as the community rallies in support of their team. Fans are hopeful that with the renewed energy and determination, the Drua can secure their first win of the season, transforming lessons learned from the opening match into a foundation for future success.
The intertwined narratives of resilience and growth showcased by the Drua encapsulate the spirit of rugby in Fiji. With their potential on display, there remains a palpable hope among fans that this match could mark the beginning of a more positive trajectory in their journey through the Super Rugby Pacific season.
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