The systematic and usually calculated Brumbies were whipped into a tailspin by a Swire Shipping Fijian Drua storm over the weekend, going down 42-27.
In what has been described as where the orthodox disappears in the tropics, with props running like centres and wingers tackling like flankers and holding this seemingly incongruent, flamboyant group together is athletic lock and inspirational vice captain Isoa Nasilasila, who was picked as one of the top players of round 5.
Nasilasila has played 54 of 60 possible Drua games and featured in 17 of their 20 wins.
The towering lock was a hive of activity with 14 tackles, robust carries and cleanouts, and won the most lineouts in the greasy conditions.
When the Drua conceded their second yellow card to Elia Canakaivata in the 26th minute, the hosts held their nerve. Nasilasila was a study in composure. Within a minute of returning to the field, Canakaivata scored.
The Drua backs were full of vibrance as first five-eighth Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula scored 17 points and spearheaded the attack with flair and authority, combined with the trickery of Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Ilaisa Droasese, who rivalled the Flying Karamazov Brothers.
Rob Valetini’s dream came true when he played his 100th Super Rugby match in front of his Fijian parents.
The John Eales Medal winner for 2023 and 2024 was typically dynamic, leading the Brumbies in both carries and tackles with 17.
Valetini has won 72 matches in the competition, and if he were a Kiwi, he might have fixed many of the All Blacks’ blindside problems and probably played about as many Tests as his current 62.
The Drua play the Reds at 3.35pm Saturday at The Fortress, Lautoka.
In other games, the Hurricanes play the Highlanders at 6.05pm Friday, the Brumbies take on the Chiefs at 8.35pm.
On Saturday, Moana Pasifika will host the Crusaders at 6.05pm, while the Waratahs play the Blues at 8.35pm Saturday.
Source: rugbypass
