The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua encountered a tough challenge in their latest match, suffering a 38-21 defeat against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra in round 5 of the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific Season. This loss underscores the Drua’s ongoing difficulties in securing victories away from home, as they have yet to demonstrate consistent performance in matches outside of Fiji.
In the initial half, the Brumbies asserted their dominance, taking an early lead of 28-7. Notable tries from Len Ikitau, Ryan Lonergan, and Andy Muirhead, along with successful conversions by Noah Lolesio, set a strong tone for the home team. The Drua managed a response through Elia Canakaivata, who scored a try converted by Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, but it was not enough to shift the momentum.
As the second half unfolded, the Drua showed resilience, with Tevita Ikanivere and Motikiai Murray adding tries that narrowed the score to 28-21. However, they fell short of completing the comeback as Luke Reimer’s late try for the Brumbies solidified their victory. Missed conversion opportunities, particularly from Armstrong-Ravula and Lolesio, added to the Drua’s frustrations and highlighted the necessity for improved execution during crucial moments, a point emphasized by Coach Glen Jackson.
The Drua’s ongoing struggle for road victories this season is apparent; nevertheless, they will have the opportunity to regroup and strive for redemption when they face the Western Force in Perth next weekend. Despite the setbacks, the Drua’s collection of emerging talents and the steadfast support from their fan base provide a hopeful outlook as they work to overcome these challenges.
As they prepare for their upcoming match, the Drua aim to transform their promising performances into winning results, reflecting the potential for growth and improvement as they progress through the season. The spirit of resilience that characterizes Fijian rugby will serve as a source of motivation in their pursuit of their first victory.
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