Fijian Drua dedicate historic away win to Ratu Epeli Nailatikau

The win was for the late President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and families that were affected by Cyclone Vaianu.

These were the words of Swire Shipping Fijian Drua captain Temo Mayanavanua after they created history by beating the ACT Brumbies 33-28 at the GIO Stadium in Canberra, Australia, for the first time. The win also enabled the Drua to break their three-year winless away game jinx.

Speaking after the game last Saturday night, the 28-year-old lock said the team wanted to honour the late Ratu Epeli, who was accorded a State Funeral in Suva last Friday.

“He (Ratu Epeli) was a die-hard rugby fan; we dedicate this game to the late president, and our thoughts go out to his family at this time,” Mayanavanua said.

“The boys wanted to come in to get the result and we were ableto do that tonight (Saturday),” he said.

Drua dominated the first half with electric attacking rugby, capitalising on errors from the home side.

Veteran winger Manasa Mataele scored two tries followed by a try to halfback Isaak Fines Leleiwasa to lead 22-7 at halftime.

“We worked throughout the week and talked about starting fast and controlling the game.

“We talked about the Brumbies coming back in the second half; we also wanted to create something special, especially for Samu (Tawake) who playing his 50th (Super Rugby) game,” Mayanavanua said.

The Brumbies mounted a come-back in the second half, with tries to Ollie Sapsford, Tane Edmed, and Corey Toole reducing the deficit, but nippy halfback turned winger Simione Kuruvoli scored a vital second half try to keep the Drua ahead, while Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula stayed composed to kick over

penalties that sealed the win.

The hosts took an early 7–0 lead after a Drua error but couldn’t match the visitors’ intensity.

The win completes a season double for the Drua over the Brumbies, following their 42-27 win in March, which was played in Ba.

“The boys were hungry enough, even though we had the cyclone with people hurdling in their homes. Some of the boys had man-go trees falling on their roofs but they chose to show up to training and put on the hard work to get the result,” he said.

Mayanavua added that he was proud of the players for hanging on until the final whistle.

He said the win means a lot, especially after all the criticism on some of their performances this season.

The side currently sits on 8th spot at the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific points table and will face Chiefs in Hamilton, New Zealand, on Sunday.