The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua achieved a remarkable comeback victory, defeating the league-leading Chiefs 28-24 in a thrilling match held in Lautoka during round 4 of the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. This victory marks a significant turning point for the Drua as they not only secured their first win of the season but also managed to overcome a halftime deficit.
The match began with the Chiefs establishing a strong lead, scoring tries from Samisoni Taukei’aho and Jimmy Tupou, which set the score at 12-6 by halftime. However, the Drua came out resolute after the break, with Meli Derenalagi igniting their efforts by scoring the first try of the second half. Despite Anton Lienert-Brown’s response for the Chiefs, the Drua surged back with consecutive tries from Vuate Karawalevu and Ponipate Loganimasi, flipping the game in their favor. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula sealed the memorable victory with a late penalty kick.
Notably, this win handed the Chiefs their first loss of the season and showcased Fiji’s reputation as a difficult venue for visiting teams. The Drua’s resilience was especially commendable given their earlier close defeats against teams like the Brumbies and Waratahs, where they demonstrated potential but struggled to finish strong.
With key players stepping up and the unwavering support from the community, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the Drua’s future in the tournament. Fans are hopeful that this victory can be the catalyst for a successful campaign ahead, as they look to leverage this momentum in upcoming matches and pursue higher standings in the league. The excitement is palpable, with supporters believing that brighter days are indeed on the horizon for the Fijian Drua.
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