The Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women showed incredible resilience to defeat the Brumbies Women 21-15 at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday.
Despite challenging weather and a strong Brumbies start, the Drua fought back in the second half.
Vika Matarugu and Vitalina Naikore’s tries kept them in the contest, but a late penalty saw the Brumbies edge ahead.
In the dying moments, the Drua forwards powered through, with Salanieta Nabuli scoring the winning try.
Captain Bitila Tawake credited faith and teamwork for the win, while Brumbies captain Siokapesi Palu praised their fighting spirit.
The dramatic win showcased their resilience and unwavering determination, leaving fans in awe as they celebrated another thrilling finish from the reigning Super W champions.
A good turnout of passionate Fijian rugby fans braved the humid conditions to witness an intense battle.
The Brumbies had a strong start, displaying tactical discipline and sharp execution.
Their early dominance was rewarded when winger Biola Dawa crossed over for the opening try.
However, fly-half Ella Ryan was unable to convert, keeping the score at 5-0.
Drua had their opportunities before the break, but handling errors and a resilient Brumbies defence kept them scoreless.
As the teams headed into halftime, the visitors held a narrow but crucial 5-0 lead.
With renewed urgency, the Drua women lifted their intensity in the second half.
Their aggressive attacking play finally paid off when Vika Matarugu powered through to score their first try, successfully converted by Vitalina Naikore, pushing Drua into the lead for the first time at 7-5.
A heavy downpour at Churchill Park did little to dampen the spirits of the roaring Fijian fans. However, the Brumbies capitalised on a Drua handling error in the 50th minute, allowing captain Siokapesi Palu to score their second try. This time, Ryan was on target, putting the visitors ahead 12-7.
The Drua, undeterred, responded with another powerful surge. Naikore showcased her brilliance, crossing over for Drua second try. Replacement kicker Luisa Basei converted, shifting the momentum back to Drua at 14-12.
A dangerous tackle by Matarugu gifted the Brumbies a crucial penalty, which fly-half Faitala Moleka slotted in, reclaiming the lead for the visitors at 15-14 with minutes remaining. The pressure mounted as the Brumbies looked to hold on, but Drua’s never-say-die attitude prevailed.
With the clock ticking down, Drua earned a last-minute penalty. The players huddled, their eyes locked in determination. As the saying goes, the game isn’t over until the referee blows the final whistle. The forwards took charge, inching closer with relentless force before Salanieta Nabuli broke through for the match-winning try. The crowd erupted as Basei converted, sealing a dramatic 21-15 victory.
Drua captain Bitila Tawake captured the emotions of that final moment.
“When I was sitting there and we were given that last penalty, in my head, I was just thinking, ‘Oh my, are we going to score or what?’ But I had faith in my team, and they delivered,” she shared.
“I thank God for the win, and I thank the fans—even though it was raining, they braved the weather to support us.”
Brumbies captain Siokapesi Palu graciously acknowledged the Drua’s fighting spirit.
“It was a great game, and I have huge respect for the Drua players. They showed immense resilience and deserved the win.”
The victory not only demonstrated the Drua women’s physical prowess but also their mental fortitude. In the dying minutes, when the odds seemed against them, their warrior spirit shone through a force too strong for the Brumbies to contain.
