'We talked about our discipline': Fijian Drua captain reflects on tough loss to Brumbies

The Fijian Drua face their second defeat against the ACT Brumbies in Super Rugby Pacific 2025, losing 38-21 in Canberra on Friday night.

The match highlights problems with discipline, poor decisions, and giving away too many penalties, which ultimately cost them the win.

Coming off an impressive victory against the top-of-the-table Chiefs last week, the Drua aim to continue their success at Gio Stadium. But the Brumbies quickly take control, scoring six tries to the Drua's three.

Drua's tries come from backrowers Elia Canakaivata and Motikiai Murray, and hooker Tevita Ikanivere, who comes off the bench in the second half to help steer the team. No.10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula converts all three tries.

Brumbies centre Len Ikitau scores a hat-trick supported by halfback Ryan Lonergan, wing Andy Muirhead, and backrower Luke Reimer also going over the tryline. Their No.10, Noah Lolesio, kicks eight points for the home side.

The defeat marks the Drua's second loss against the Brumbies this season. They previously met in Suva in round one, and the Brumbies edged them out 36-32.

According to Stan Sport, the Fijians arrived in Canberra on Thursday and then to front up at Gio Stadium 24 hours later against the Australians.

Drua captain and halfback Frank Lomani says they let the game slip, especially after trailing 28-7 at halftime.

"We spoke about the discipline during the week," Lomani tells Stan Sport's Morgan Turinui after the game. "In the first half, we conceded a lot of penalties and against a team like the Brumbies, they like to maul and score tries.

"At halftime, we talked about our discipline, keeping the ball in hand and playing our game. We sort of found momentum coming into the second half, but we just couldn't finish it."

Lomani says the Drua could have won their first three matches against the Brumbies, Hurricanes, and Force, which were all close results. He adds that with better ball control and improvements in their game plan, the Fijian Drua can start winning games on the road.

"If we can keep the ball and be accurate with our skills, then we can win games."

The Brumbies quickly establish a strong lead, supported by their experienced players, who challenge the Drua defence.

Despite showing resilience and pushing back after halftime, the Drua cannot capitalise on their momentum and struggle to contain Brumbies and Wallabies star backs Ikitau and Tom Wright.

The Brumbies regain control of the match, with a composed Lolesio orchestrating their attack. Lolesio's performance will likely boost Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt's confidence in Australia’s depth at the No.10 position.

Man of the match Len Ikitau tries to get away from the Drua defence.

The Drua show resilience, storming back after the break with two quick tries and reigniting the contest. Murray claims the Fijians' first try, starting deep in their half.

The visitors show glimpses of their signature flair, using quick hands and audacious offloads to penetrate the Brumbies’ defence.

Despite their resurgence, the Drua fail to close the gap as the Brumbies tighten their defence and maintain control of possession in the closing stages of the match.

The Drua have fallen short again, but their second-half fightback shows their potential for exciting rugby.

In another round five match, the Hurricanes beat the Highlanders 20-18 in Dunedin earlier on Friday.

On Saturday, the Crusaders host the Force, the Blues travel to Hamilton to face the Chiefs, and the Reds take on the Waratahs in the Australian derby at Suncorp Stadium.

Meanwhile, Moana Pasifika, who celebrate their first win of the season against the Hurricanes last week, rest this weekend before hosting the Chiefs in Auckland next Friday.