The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua faced a narrow setback in their recent match against the ACT Brumbies, falling 32-36. Despite taking an early lead, discipline issues and a series of mistakes hampered their chances for victory. The Drua received two yellow cards in the first half, with fullback Isikeli Rabitu being the first to be sin-binned for a dangerous tackle. Shortly after, debutant Vuate Karawalevu joined him for a deliberate knock-on, allowing the Brumbies to capitalize and score vital tries.
The disciplinary problems were compounded by nine handling errors from the Drua, leading to 11 penalties against them. The Brumbies maintained possession of the ball, finishing with a 54% share compared to the Drua’s 46%. The Drua were particularly notable for their limited offloading game, managing only two offloads against the Brumbies’ seven, which is typically a strength of Fijian rugby.
Looking ahead, the Drua are preparing for their next match against the Hurricanes on Saturday. Head coach Glen Jackson expressed pride in his players’ efforts but acknowledged the need for improvements, particularly in discipline and decision-making. These adjustments will be essential as they aim to enhance their performance and secure their first win of the season.
Despite the loss, the match showcased resilience and potential from the Drua, particularly from debutants Karawalevu and Ponipate Loganimasi, who both made significant contributions. Their strong performances provide hope that the Drua can bounce back and make a mark in the Super Rugby Pacific this season. With continued focus and growth, there is an optimistic outlook for the team as they tackle the challenges ahead.
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