The Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women demonstrated exceptional determination by defeating the Brumbies Women 21-15 in a captivating Super W match held at Churchill Park in Lautoka. Despite tough weather and a strong start from the Brumbies, who took a 5-0 lead into halftime after a try from winger Biola Dawa, the Drua staged an impressive comeback in the second half.
Initially struggling with handling errors against the strong Brumbies defense, the Drua shifted gears after the break. Vika Matarugu ignited their scoring by crossing the try line and adding the conversion, giving the Drua a 7-5 lead. Though the Brumbies momentarily surged ahead after capitalizing on a Drua mistake to bring the score to 15-14, the Drua refused to back down.
In a critical moment, the Drua opted for a lineout following a penalty rather than kicking for goal. This strategic decision paid off when Salanieta Nabuli scored a decisive try just before the match concluded. Luisa Basei successfully converted, solidifying the Drua’s victory at 21-15.
Captain Bitila Tawake praised her team for their camaraderie and collective effort, while Brumbies captain Siokapesi Palu acknowledged the competitiveness displayed by both teams.
This match not only underscores the increasing competitiveness of women’s rugby in the Pacific but also highlights the spirit of resilience in sports. The Drua’s blend of experienced players and emerging talent creates a promising outlook for the remainder of the Super W season, with fans eagerly anticipating future matchups as the team refines its tactics and builds on this success.
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