The ACT Brumbies have gone down to the Fijian Drua 42–27 in a sweaty but exhilarating Super Rugby Pacific clash that threw everything at the men from the capital.
Playing in Ba in Fiji, a first for Super Rugby Pacific, the Brumbies first battled heat then a second-half storm, but it was ultimately a fierce Fijian outfit which decided the game.
The thick heat and heavy humidity didn’t deter locals from celebrating the historic occasion, even climbing nearby trees to get a look into the sold-out Four R Stadium.
After a strong 3–1 start to the season, Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham rolled the dice on a fresh side featuring nine changes. A young forward pack looked to impress, with debutant Darcy Breen packing in at prop alongside Fijian-born Lington Ieli, who earned a starting spot with James Slipper priming for his record-breaking game next weekend. The pack was anchored by the experience of Rob Valetini, running out for his 100th Brumbies cap in his parents’ home country.
The Drua earned the first points after catching the Brumbies offside 20 metres out and opting for three points after just five minutes. The travellers responded immediately with sharp hands out the back and a well-weighted stabbing kick from Thorn into the left corner set up late inclusion Creighton for an unconverted try. The home side fought back with quick phases, and a strong fend from Etonia Waqa carried him over the line to restore a 10–5 lead with only 11 minutes played.
A build-up of penalties saw the first yellow card for Fiji’s Mesake Doge and a second for Elia Canakaivata as Toby Macpherson crashed over for his maiden Super Rugby try. Another penalty goal, and redemption for Canakaivata after a quick tap, closed out the scintillating half, 20–12.
Rain poured in the second half, with home debutant Sairusi Ravudi claiming a try off the back of a rolling maul, before Droasese added another with a diving finish in the corner.
The Brumbies collected themselves and some fresh legs helped steady the ship. A loose knock-on was scooped up by Macpherson, who crossed for his second try of the afternoon.
Off the bench, Lonergan sparked life into the visitors, combining with Creighton on a 60-metre break before sliding five metres on the rain-soaked ground to score, narrowing the deficit to 32–22 and giving hope to a potential comeback with 20 minutes remaining.
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula proved to be a difference-maker with the boot, slotting a third penalty goal to keep the Drua in control.
Despite aggressive defence and the creativity of substitute Declan Meredith, the home side continued to find space, with Droasese’s offloads helping to re-establish a firm lead.
The Brumbies showed trademark resilience in the tough conditions, fighting to have the final say with a last-minute try through captain Andy Muirhead, closing the match at 42–27.
With the tropical dust settling on Ba’s historic occasion, the Brumbies now shift their focus back home.
Next up is a blockbuster clash with the Chiefs at GIO Stadium on Friday night — a match that will see veteran prop James Slipper run out for his record-breaking 202nd Super Rugby appearance in front of a Canberra crowd.
