With the 2025 Super Rugby season only days from kick-off, an air of excitement and keen anticipation has descended upon the nation’s capital. Our ACT Brumbies, aiming to re-affirm their position as Australia’s most successful side, face a formidable Round 1 road trip to face the Fijian Drua.
The Drua, who won 5 of their 6 home games in 2024, will be desperate to maintain their ‘fortress-like’ record on Fijian soil. Standing in their way, however, is a Brumbies side eager to go one step further than the semi-final heartbreak of the past three seasons.
The Drua will no doubt be boosted by an ever-boisterous crowd in Suva, something the Brumbies will look to replicate here in the nation’s capital. You needn’t look any further than the Drua’s 2024 home and away record (5-1 at home and 0-8 away) to see the impact of sell-out home crowds.
The importance of defence will surely not be lost on Steve Larkham’s men. In typical Fijian fashion, their opponents ranked second in 2024 when it came to defenders beaten. Having conceded 36 points in their thrilling trial draw with the Waratahs, our Brumbies’ defence was a notable improvement in their 45-12 win over the Force at Marist College.
The performance of the squad’s young stars would have particularly pleased Larkham, given the second-half score of 33-0 against the Force. Trials, however, are often forgotten come Round 1.
Despite a relatively settled squad in 2025, the Brumbies look set to unleash several debutants in Suva, providing some of the squad’s fresh faces with an almighty first task.
The Drua will boast a number of Fijian internationals in what shapes to be a true test of our Brumbies’ character. Co-captains Frank Lomani (scrum-half) and Tevita Ikanivere (hooker) will no doubt look to instil the passion in their team that turned them into a nearly unbeatable force at home last season.
In the unforgiving humidity of Suva, the ACT Brumbies will relish the chance to kick-start their season in style, aiming to conquer one of the game’s fiercest challenges in the process. Amidst the unfamiliar conditions and a spirited home crowd, the Brumbies will look to maintain familiarity in the only way they know how. Success.
Kick-off: 2:35pm, Saturday 15 February
Broadcast: Live via Stan Sport.
It’s time to don your Brumbies gear or restock with new merchandise available now. Don’t forget your members merch discount, code located on the back of your membership card.
