The Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua Women achieved a remarkable last-minute victory against the ACT Brumbies, clinching a 21-15 win in Round 3 of the Super W competition at Churchill Park in Lautoka. The match was filled with tension and excitement, especially as the teams battled wet conditions that affected their control of the ball.
The Brumbies initially took the lead with a try from Biola Dawa, leaving the Drua trailing 5-0 at halftime. However, the Drua showcased their strength in the second half, with captain Vika Matarugu scoring a try shortly after the break to bring her team ahead 7-5. Unfortunately for the Drua, the Brumbies responded with a try from Siokopesi Palu, taking a narrow lead.
Discipline issues plagued the Drua when players Loraini Senivutu and Nunia Daunimoala received yellow cards for dangerous tackles, forcing the team to fight with only 13 players at one point. Despite this adversity, the druids and their resilience shone through as winger Vitalina Naikore scored a crucial try, closing the gap to 14-15.
In a dramatic finish, Salanieta Nabuli scored the decisive try just past the 80-minute mark, followed by a successful conversion from fly-half Luisa Tisolo, sealing the win at 21-15. This victory comes as a much-needed boost for the Drua after a tough loss to the Queensland Reds, which they narrowly lost 22-19.
Head coach Ifereimi Rawaqa praised the team’s determination, noting their ability to keep fighting until the last moment despite facing significant challenges throughout the match. “We stuck in there until the last minute. There were moments of ill-discipline, but we take it,” Rawaqa stated, emphasizing the need to improve ball retention.
Looking ahead, the Fijiana Drua will prepare for their next match against the Western Force, set to take place on March 23 at HBF Park in Perth. There is a sense of optimism among fans and players alike as the team continues to develop and refine its strategies for future competitions. The increasing competitiveness of women’s rugby in the Pacific region and the Drua’s resilience send a hopeful message about the bright future of the sport and its inspiring effect on aspiring athletes.
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