The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies have fallen short against the Fijian Drua with 20-7 defeat falling their way in Round 4 of the Super Rugby Womens competition at GIO Stadium on Saturday evening.
The visitors enjoyed some early possession and field territory to start the match. They took advantage in the 11th minute when Drua fly-half Jennifer Ravutia put in an audacious chip and chase from an attacking line-out. Flanker Sulita Waisega then regathered the ball to open the scoring with a converted try to lead 7-nil.
The Brumbies returned serve in the 24th minute when Tania Naden crashed over from the back of a ruck. Outside centre Harmony Ioane putting her side in a great attacking position with a linebreak and clever click behind the Drua defence to create the try scoring opportunity. Brumbies fly-half Faitala Moleka evening up the scores 7-7 midway through the first half.
The Drua were camped in the Brumbies half trying to sniff out an opportunity. Before an opportunity was presented in the 33rd minute when the home side were pinged for being offside. The Fijian fullback Luisa Tisolo stepping to slot the penalty from in front to snatch the lead.
The Fijians heading into the sheds 10-7 at the main break after a closely fought first half at GIO Stadium.
The Drua then shutdown a promising backline play from the Brumbies before managing to turn over possession with a brutal hit close to their line. The effort caused some open play where Fijian winger Atelaite Buna Ralivanawa was able to find herself space to run 60 metres and score under the Brumbies posts. Tisolo stepped up once again to make the most of the try, converting for a 17-7 lead in the 53rd minute.
To seal the win in a close and wet contest, Tisolo took her chance with a penalty goal for the Drua to finish the scoring for the evening at 20-7.
Fijian Drua 20 (Tries: Sulita Waisega, Atelaite Buna Ralivanawa ; Goals: Luisa Tisolo 2; Penalties: Luisa Tisolo 2) def. Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies 7 (Tries: Tania Naden ; Goals: Faitala Moleka)
