“It’s an inspiration to play in Fiji with such support for women’s rugby. We’ll go back and regroup for our next game against the Reds,” Palu said.
Fijian Drua prop Salanieta Nabuli was the star of today’s 21-15 win over the Brumbies. Photo: Fijian Drua
Loosehead prop Salanieta Nabuli was the toast of the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua’s 21-15 win over the ACT Brumbies in this afternoon’s Super W clash at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.
With the Brumbies having a slender 14-15 lead in the final minutes of the match, prop Vika Matarugu opted to go for a lineout instead of taking a shot at goal, when they were awarded a penalty.
The Drua maintained possession and used their big forwards to inch their way closer to the tryline before Nabuli crashed over for the winning try, which was converted by Luisa Tisolo.
“Those last few minutes were nerve wrecking,” said Drua captain Bitila Tawake.
“The win has finished off all the hard work put in by the girls throughout the week. We came into the game wanting to keep the ball alive.”
The visitor led 5-0 at halftime with their unconverted try scored by winger Biola Dawa.
Debutants Rusila Nagasau and 17-year-old lock Carletta Yee took time to settle down before they showed their worth throughout the 80 minutes.
Hooker Loraini Senivutu was yellow carded in the first half. Nagasau adapted to the wet ground conditions and set-up the Drua’s first try to Matarugu, which was converted by Vitalina Naikore for a 7-5 lead.
Brumbies regained the lead 12-7 when Brumbies captain Siokapesi Palu broke away from a maul to score their second try, which was converted by Tia Hinds. Then Drua flanker Nunia Daunimoala got the second yellow card for an infringement.
Solid defence by the Brumbies stopped the Drua from making progress before Salanieta Kinita kicked the ball behind the defensive line, which was collected by Naikore to score their second try. Tisolo converted for a 14-12 lead before Brumbies converted a penalty to go up again 15-14.
It was here Drua struck back with Nabuli’s converted try for the win and a step closer to hosting a home Super W semi-final.
“It’s an inspiration to play in Fiji with such support for women’s rugby. We’ll go back and regroup for our next game against the Reds,” Palu said.
Feedback: ioane.asioli@fijisun.com.fj
