The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua made history today in Lautoka by defeating the Gallagher Chiefs 28-24 in Round 4 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific. This victory marks the Drua’s first win of the season and the first time they have triumphed over the Chiefs.
In a match characterized by challenging weather conditions, the Chiefs initially gained the upper hand, scoring through Samisoni Taukeiaho and Jimmy Tupou to lead 12-6 at halftime. The rain caused several handling errors for both teams, but it was Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula who brought the Drua onto the scoreboard with a penalty kick early in the first half.
The Drua showcased their resilience after halftime, with a try by Meli Derenalagi putting them ahead 13-12, sparking a spirited comeback. The Chiefs responded with a try from Anton Lienert-Brown, but the Drua quickly regained momentum. Vuate Karawalevu and Ponipate Loganimasi each scored tries, with Armstrong-Ravula extending the lead with a successful penalty kick.
Despite a consolation try from Tupou at the end, the Drua secured a memorable victory, much to the delight of their passionate home crowd at Churchill Park. This win also emphasizes Fiji’s reputation as a challenging venue for visiting teams, further underlining the Drua’s growing strength and determination.
The result represents a significant turning point for the Drua, who have struggled in the early part of the season. This match may infuse the team and their supporters with renewed hope for upcoming games. With the strong performance from key players and the unwavering support from fans, the Drua are positioning themselves to build on this momentum as they seek to climb the Super Rugby standings.
Altogether, the Drua’s victory today reflects a promising future and paves the way for greater achievements in the ongoing season of Super Rugby Pacific.
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