The Fijian Drua have pulled off one of the most memorable wins in Super Rugby Pacific history and dedicated it to the people back home.

Led by captain Temo Mayanavanua, the Drua stunned the Brumbies 33-28 in Canberra on Saturday night, securing their first-ever win in the Australian capital with a performance full of heart, belief and purpose.

The win was also the Drua's first on the road since February 2023. But this was more than just a rugby result.

In an emotional post-match interview, Mayanavanua paid tribute to those in Fiji still recovering from Tropical Cyclone Vaianu as well as the family of country's former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, who was laid to rest just a day earlier.

“Firstly, all thanks to the men above for his guidance and his protection through this team and secondly our biggest condolences, we dedicate this performance to our late president his excellency Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and his family, our former president. Our thoughts go out to his family at this time,” the Fijian lock told Stan Sport.

“And just to the boys, man they just showed a lot of ticker and a lot of heart. These boys decided to come in even though Cyclone Vaianu was affecting the country, just to get the result. It's just satisfying.”

The emotion ran deep with players balancing rugby commitments while their families dealt with the impact of the cyclone at home.

“Some of the boys had trees falling on their roofs but they decided to show up at training and put in the hard work. And it's satisfying to get the hard work and to get what we were all trying for.”

Watch Drua wing Manasa Mataele score one of his two tries against the Brumbies in Canberra.

From the opening whistle, the Drua played with urgency and control, dominating the first half to take a 22-7 lead into the break.

Halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula set the tone, controlling territory and tempo while the forward pack led by Etonia Waqa and Isoa Tuwai won key battles at the breakdown.

Mayanavanua said the fast start was no accident.

“We worked on it throughout the week. We talked about starting fast and controlling our tempo and controlling our game and it was evident through the first half.

"We talked about the Brumbies coming strong in the second half, which they did. Hats off to them. A quality outfit and they brought that to us and I'm just happy that the boys stuck in it, showed some ticker and got the result that we deserve.”

The Brumbies did fight back, lifting their intensity after halftime and closing the gap with a series of late tries.

Drua players including two-try winner Manasa Mataele, right, come together after the final whistle, honouring their late former president and families back home following a special night in Canberra. Photo/Facebook/Fijian Drua

But the Drua held firm under pressure, showing the same resilience that carried them through a tight win over the Western Force the week before.

Key moments including a long-range intercept try and a perfectly-weighted cross-field kick finished by reserve halfback Simione Kuruvoli helped keep the visitors in front before a late penalty sealed the result.

It was a win built not just on skill but on sacrifice.

“We wanted to create something special especially for our mate Sam [prop Samuela Tawake] on his 50th [game]. We talked about history and creating history throughout the week and the boys were hungry enough,” Mayanavanua said.

Back home in Fiji, the victory will carry more meaning for communities still picking up the pieces after the cyclone.

“We dedicate this to the families that lost their houses and stuff during the cyclone. This win is for all of us.”

Watch Drua prop Samuela Tawake receive his jersey for his 50th game for the club.

The scenes after the final whistle said it all: players celebrating together, singing in the sheds, and sharing the moment with travelling supporters.

“It means a whole lot," the captain said. "These boys have worked so hard. We get criticised a lot and the boys decided to come in instead of being with their families during the cyclone and to get the job done. There's nothing worth deserving.”

For a team often written off and sitting near the bottom of the table, this was a statement.

From a small island nation to one of rugby’s toughest away grounds, the Drua showed what belief and playing for something bigger can do.

History was made in Canberra and a win that belongs to all of Fiji.

Earlier, the Chiefs defeated the Hurricanes 22-17 in Hamilton in the crunch match of round 10. For more on Super Rugby Pacific, click here.

Captain Temo Mayanavanua led the Drua in an emotional post-match moment, dedicating the win to people in Fiji affected by Tropical Cyclone Vaianu. Photo/Facebook/Fijian Drua

Fijiana fire early with 85-point statement win

Fiji's national women's rugby team have sent a clear message to the region, powering to an 85-5 win over Tonga to open their Oceania Women’s Championship campaign in Lautoka on Friday night.

In front of a home crowd, Fijiana ran in 13 tries in a one-sided contest, controlling the game from the first whistle and showing their strength across the park.

Their forward pack set the tone early, winning the physical battle, while the backs made the most of space out wide in a clinical display.

Captain Alfreda Fisher praised the team’s performance, especially the impact of new players. “The debutants played really well and they put out a good game,” she said.

Fijiana in full flight against Tonga, running in tries at will during a dominant 85-5 win to open their Oceania Women’s Championship campaign in Lautoka. Photo/Fiji Rugby Union

With just one match left, Fijiana now turn their focus to a likely title decider against Manusina Sāmoa next week.

After a fast, confident start, Fiji’s women look well placed to defend their crown and continue a strong run for Pacific rugby on the international stage.