Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has congratulated the Fijian Drua following their historic 42–27 victory over the ACT Brumbies during the Super Rugby Pacific clash at 4R Stadium in Ba on Saturday.
Rabuka said the win was a proud and memorable moment for Fiji, especially as it was the first time the Drua had defeated the Brumbies since joining the competition in 2022.
“This victory is a significant milestone for the Drua and for Fijian rugby. The team displayed determination, discipline and true Fijian spirit in front of a passionate home crowd,” he said.
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The Prime Minister attended the match and met with Phil Waugh, Chief Executive Officer of Rugby Australia, during the historic fixture.
He said the meeting further reflected the strong relationship between Fiji and Australia under the renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership, particularly in strengthening cooperation through sport.
The Prime Minister also noted that the match marked the first Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific game to be hosted in Ba, making it a historic occasion for rugby supporters in the province.
“With a sold-out stadium, it was wonderful to see fans from across the country come together to support the teams and celebrate rugby,” he said.
Rabuka also commended both teams for delivering an exciting and competitive match and thanked the large crowd of supporters who turned out in numbers to cheer them on.
Also present at the match was Kristy Giteau, Co-president of Rugby Australia, along with government ministers, assistant ministers and official delegations.
Fijian Drua captain Frank Lomani described their historic 42-27 Super Rugby Pacific win over the ACT Brumbies ‘as special’.
Speaking in front of a sell-out crowd at Ba’s Four R Stadium, Lomani said the support from the people of the Ba Province was massive.
“We felt their presence with us in the field,” Lomani said.
The tough halfback also hailed vice-captains Isoa Nasilasila and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre for making things easier for him.
Playing under humid conditions, the Drua started strongly to take a 3-0 lead in the 5th minute when Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula kicked over a penalty after the Brumbies were caught offside.
The visitors hit back with a try to winger Hudson Creighton after following through a grubber kick from Klayton Thorn, the conversion went wide as they led 5-3.
The Drua played open rugby, which opened up gaps in the Brumbies defence. Samusamuvodre from a passing movement was able to create a gap for flanker Etonia Waqa to score a try in the corner. Ravula converted as they regained the lead 10-5.
The Brumbies dominated the breakdown and continued to apply the pressure. The Drua gave away several penalties before referee Paul Williams showed the yellow card to prop Mesake Doge in the 18th minute.
The Drua defence held on as they connected with their one-on-one tackles.
In the 25th minute young Brumbies lock Toby Macpherson crashed over for a try and Drua No.8 Elia Canakaivata copped a yellow card for an infringement. The conversion went over as the Brumbies again led 12-10.
Playing with 13-men, the Drua again took the lead 13-12 in the 26th minute when Ravula converted his second penalty.
The hosts never looked back as the Brumbies struggled to keep up with the pace of the game. From a forward rush, Canakaivata picked up the loose ball to dive over to score their second try with Ravula landing the extras for a 20-12 lead at halftime.
There was heavy rain at the start of the second half and in the 44th minute from a rolling maul Drua hooker Sairusi Ravudi peeled off to score a try on his debut, the conversion went wide, as they now lead 25-12.
In the 51st minute the Drua extended their lead to 32-12 when a crosskick from Ravula found winger Joji Nasova who committed the last defender before offloading the ball to Ilaisa Droasese to score in the corner. Ravula landed the conversion.
The Brumbies fought back as Macpherson scored his second try in the 54th minute. The conversion went wide as they trailed 32-17.
In the 58th minute under slippery condition, Ryan Lonergan exchanged passes with Creighton before going over for a try, which was not converted, as they narrowed the deficit to 32-22.
In the 66th minute Ravula landed his third penalty to extend Drua’s lead to 35-22.
In the 70th minute in a moment of brilliance Samusamuvodre kicked behind the Brumbies defence, collected the ball and offloaded it to Droasese to score his second try with Ravula converting for a 42-22 win.
The Brumbies kept coming back with Adam Muirhead scoring a consolation try as they bowed out 42-27.
