Ponipate Loganimasi, the talented winger for Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, shone in a thrilling 28-24 victory against the Gallagher Chiefs in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific. His impressive performance, which earned him the man of the match title, came as he sought to uplift the team’s spirits in front of their home crowd in Lautoka.
Loganimasi scored the decisive try in the 66th minute, showcasing his skills as he executed a perfectly timed chip kick collected from Chiefs’ midfield and demonstrated remarkable agility by weaving through defenders to score under the posts. Reflecting on the match, he emphasized the importance of winning for their loyal supporters, stating, “We did not want to lose in front of our fans and our families.”
The humble athlete attributed his success on the field to the hard work of his teammates, declaring, “The hard work is done by the forwards, I am the last one to get the ball, so it is all teamwork.” His selflessness and team spirit reflect a strong camaraderie within the Drua, where Loganimasi and fellow player Vuate Karawalevu now share the title of the second top try-scorer with four tries each in this season’s competition.
This performance continues a remarkable season for Loganimasi, who recently made his Super Rugby debut and quickly made a name for himself after shining in the Fijian national team with a notable silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games as part of the rugby sevens squad. His journey thus far reflects not just individual talent but also a promise for the future of Fijian rugby.
As Loganimasi and the Drua aim to build on this victory, they offer hope for even more achievements as they strive for greater success in the league. The exciting atmosphere fostered among the players and their engagement with the community sets a positive tone as they move forward, encouraging fans and young athletes alike to remain invested in their journey.
Leave a comment