The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua faced a narrow defeat in their first match of the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season, losing 36-32 to the Brumbies. This loss highlights the challenge ahead for the Drua, who need to clinch wins at home to keep their playoff aspirations alive, especially as only the top six teams advance.
In a match held in Suva, the Drua showed promise but struggled at critical moments. The early advantage went to the Brumbies, as the Drua found themselves down 17-7 with two players in the sin bin. However, the team showcased resilience by scoring 13 unanswered points, leading 20-17 at halftime. Late in the game, despite holding an eight-point lead, the Drua couldn’t secure the win, allowing the Brumbies to claim victory and reverse a historical disadvantage for Australian franchises playing in Fiji.
Head Coach Glen Jackson pointed out the ongoing discipline issues that have affected the team for the last three years, emphasizing that the timing of penalties can significantly impact the outcomes of important matches. Nevertheless, the match also featured promising performances from debutants Vuate Karawalevu, who scored two tries, and Ponipate Loganimasi, marking his first appearance.
Looking forward, the Drua are gearing up for a pivotal match against the Hurricanes in Napier, with Jackson making 13 changes to the starting lineup to invigorate the team. The strategy aims to blend the skills of experienced players with the energy of newcomers. The return of Inia Tabuavou, who has been playing in France, alongside seasoned player Peni Ravai on the bench, signals the Drua’s commitment to addressing their breakdown and discipline challenges.
As both the Drua and Hurricanes look for redemption after previous setbacks, anticipation is high for the match scheduled at 3:35 PM local time. The stakes are significant, and the Drua’s community is rallying behind them with hopes that renewed energy and focus will lead to their first win of the season.
The Drua’s story of resilience and determination embodies the essence of rugby in Fiji, leaving fans optimistic that this crucial match could herald a positive turn in their Super Rugby Pacific campaign. The potential shown in their initial game serves as a foundation for future successes as they aim to build on the lessons learned.
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