The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has made a remarkable leap in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific standings, reaching 7th place after a thrilling 28-24 victory against the Gallagher Chiefs. This match, held in Lautoka, not only marked the Drua’s first win of the season but also their inaugural triumph over the Chiefs.
In a tightly contested game, the Chiefs initially took the lead, going into halftime ahead 12-6, thanks to tries from Samisoni Taukeiaho and Jimmy Tupou. However, the Drua demonstrated resilience in the second half. A pivotal penalty kick by Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula allowed Meli Derenalagi to score a try, swinging the momentum in favor of the Drua, who took a 13-12 lead. Although Anton Lienert-Brown scored to briefly restore the Chiefs’ advantage, the Drua responded with tries from Vuate Karawalevu and Ponipate Loganimasi, cementing their victory with a late penalty from Armstrong-Ravula.
Head coach Glen Jackson praised the team’s performance, emphasizing the significant impact from the substitutes who helped maintain the team’s energy throughout the match. The support from the enthusiastic home crowd in Lautoka was crucial, as captain Frank Lomani noted the uplifting effect it had on the team’s morale.
This victory injects new hope into the Drua’s season, encouraging them to sustain their momentum in upcoming matches. Despite facing numerous challenges, the team’s display of teamwork, resilience, and the backing of their community suggest that the Drua and their supporters can look forward to brighter days ahead. As they continue their journey in Super Rugby, the atmosphere is filled with optimism, highlighting their determination to ascend the standings.
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