The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua showcased their resilience in dramatic fashion, pulling off a stunning comeback victory against the league-leading Chiefs, winning 28-24 in front of a passionate home crowd at Lautoka during round 4 of the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season. This match marked a significant turning point for the Drua, as they overcame a halftime deficit to secure their first victory of the season.
The encounter began with the Chiefs decisively taking control early on, with tries from Samisoni Taukei’aho and Jimmy Tupou putting them ahead 12-6 at the break. However, the Drua refused to be deterred. After halftime, they rallied back; Meli Derenalagi’s try sparked a rejuvenation that the visitors struggled to counter. Anton Lienert-Brown’s response for the Chiefs proved to be the final score from the away side, as the Drua surged forward with back-to-back tries from Vuate Karawalevu and Ponipate Loganimasi, flipping the game on its head. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula capped off the memorable win with a late penalty to seal the match.
This victory not only handed the undefeated Chiefs their first loss of the season but also reinforced Fiji’s reputation as a challenging venue for away teams, underscoring the Drua’s growing strength and determination within the tournament.
The Drua’s journey to this victory was not without challenges; earlier in the season they faced close defeats against teams such as the Brumbies and Waratahs. During those matches, they demonstrated promise but lacked the finishing strength in closing moments. With this victory over the Chiefs, the team and fans now hold onto the hope that this match could spark a successful pursuit of higher standings in the league.
With key players stepping up and the community’s unwavering support, there is a palpable optimism that this triumph will lay the foundation for a revitalized season in Super Rugby. The upcoming matches will be closely watched as the Drua looks to build on this encouraging momentum, illustrating their capacity to compete effectively at a high level. Fans are rightfully excited, believing that brighter days are ahead for the Fijian Drua.
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