Five lessons the Drua can take from win over Brumbies

Fijian Drua captain Frank Lomani pointed to consistency as a key to their famous 42-27 win over the Brumbies at the Four R Stadium in Ba on Saturday afternoon, in round five of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific competition.

Lomani said that was what they had talked about during the week, after they claimed their first victory over the Brumbies in seven matches so far, since 2022.

Backed by a big 13,000 plus crowd at the famous soccer ground, the Fijians started strongly and continued through the two halves with some positive showing of combinations, flair and planned moves that overrode their ill-discipline in the first half.

Lomani told Sky Sport it was massive effort from the team.

"So so special to have our families and everyone here in the province of Ba," the veteran halfback said.

"We can feel them on the field.

"That was a massive effort from the team."

He said the team spoke about the special game in Ba, being their first ever, and the first Super Rugby Pacific game to be played in the town.

The team trained in Ba on Tuesday and attracted thousands of fans at their run.

"We came down and spoke about the history and the moment here in Ba and said we have to perform," he said.

"Now we want to keep the momentum," he added, with their next opponent being the Reds in Lautoka next weekend.

The side recorded their second win in the competition this year with the victory in Ba, having defeated the Hurricanes in Lautoka two weekends ago.

Brumbies captain of the day Andy Muirhead admitted that it was a tough battle for them and applauded the Drua outfit for the win.

Having lost to the Reds last weekend, the competition leaders were hoping to get one back and keep their record against the Drua intact.

"We dominated the territory and possession in the first half but we just didn't capitalise on mistakes and got them into our half because of ill-discipline," he said.

"Big win for the Drua and big win for Fiji rugby."

What can the Drua take away?

Consistency is critical - the Fijians started well and kept in the battle for 80 minutes. That is a major shift and one that can keep the team in the hunt for a top-six finish.

Defense can turn matches - that was evident in the game, as the fired-up Drua took ball and man hard at every opportunity. With two men down in the first half, the side did not slacken on defense.

Ill discipline - giving away easy penalties must stop if they want to keep winning. The first half had them giving penalties time and time again, resulting in two yellow cards to Mesake Doge and Elia Canakaivata. The Brumbies were also guilty of the same problem.

Kicking game - Flyhalf Isaiah Washington-Ravula had a grand game in the number 10 jersey and his kick passes found their targets, which kept the momentum moving forward for the Drua.

Set plays help in go-forward - that was a key aspect also in the game. The Drua scrums and lineouts lifted. That had a direct impact on their go-forward game. Grand debut by hooker Sairusi Ravudi, who was spot-on with the majority of his throws, and also scored a try.