Drua beat Brumbies 42-27 In historic Fiji win

Fijian Drua 42-27 Brumbies, Four R Stadium

The Fijian Drua secured a historic 42-27 victory over the ACT Brumbies at Four R Stadium in BaFour R Stadium, handing the Australian side their first-ever defeat against the Drua in Super Rugby Pacific.

Playing in humid and wet conditions in front of a passionate home crowd, the Drua capitalised on key moments to pull away in the second half and secure an important win.

The Brumbies arrived in Fiji with a heavily rotated squad after making ten changes following their narrow loss to the Queensland Reds. Injuries and player management protocols forced coach Stephen Larkham to reshuffle the lineup, and the visitors struggled to match the Drua’s intensity in difficult playing conditions.

Early Exchanges In A Tight First Half

The Brumbies opened the scoring through Hudson Creighton after a clever attacking move. Kye Oates broke through the defence before linking with Klayton Thorn, who chipped ahead for Creighton to dive on the ball and score.

The Drua quickly responded when flanker Etonia Waqa powered down the right side and crossed the line to level the contest.

When Drua prop Mesake Doge was shown a yellow card, the Brumbies took advantage with 21-year-old back-rower Toby Macpherson crashing over for a try in the 25th minute.

However, the Drua finished the half strongly. Elia Canakaivata crossed shortly before the break as the hosts built momentum and took a 20-12 lead into halftime.

Drua Pull Away After Halftime

The Drua began the second half with confidence and extended their lead through debutant Sairusi Ravudi, who scored shortly after the restart.

Momentum continued to build for the hosts when Ilaisa Droasese finished a flowing move in the 51st minute, stretching the margin and placing the Brumbies under heavy pressure.

At that stage the Drua had built a commanding lead, leaving the visitors needing multiple scores to stay in the contest.

Brumbies Rally Falls Short

The Brumbies fought back through Macpherson, who scored his second try after reacting quickly to a loose ball near the try line.

Ryan Lonergan and Creighton combined well in attack to reduce the deficit further, and fullback Andy Muirhead added another try late in the match. However, Droasese crossed again in the 70th minute to restore the Drua’s advantage and effectively seal the result.

The Drua held firm in the closing stages to secure a memorable 42-27 victory and record their first win over the Brumbies.

Team line up:

Fijian Drua: 15 Iliasia Droasese, 14 Joji Nasova,13 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12 Isikeli Rabitu, 11 Ponipate Loganimasi, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Frank Lomani (captain), 8 Elia Canakaivata, 7 Motikiai Murray, 6 Etonia Waqa, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Zuriel Togiatama, 1 Haereiti Hetet

Reserves: 16 Sairusi Ravudi, 17 Emosi Tuqiri, 18 Peni Ravai, 19 Vilive Miramira, 20 Kitione Salawa, 21 Isoa Tuwai, 22 Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, 23 Iosefo Namoce

Brumbies: 15 Andy Muirhead (captain), 14 Corey Toole, 13 Kadin Pritchard, 12 David Feliuai, 11 Kye Oates, 10 Tane Edmed, 9 Klayton Thorn, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Luke Reimer, 6 Tuaina Taii Tualima, 5 Toby Macpherson, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Darcy Breen, 2 Billy Pollard, 1 Lington Ieli

Reserves: 16 Liam Bowrn, 17 Blake Schoupp, 18 Tevita Alatini, 19 Lachie Shaw, 20 Rory Scott, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Declan Meredith, 23 Hudson Creighton