LIVE: Fijian Drua Vs Brumbies As ACT Side Makes Maiden Trip To Ba
The ACT Brumbies have flown to Fiji for the fixture billed broadly as fijian drua vs brumbies, a landmark match that will be the first Super Rugby game staged in Ba as the hosts look to christen their new stadium with victory.
Fijian Drua Vs Brumbies: A Historic First Game In Ba
Fans have packed into the new stadium for what coverage calls a historic moment, with Govind Park and Four R Stadium both referenced as hosting their first Super Rugby match. It is Vuvale Week, celebrating the partnership between Fiji and Australia, and the Drua entered the fixture off a bye week determined to open the new ground with a win.
The Drua have never beaten the Brumbies in their history, and the home side selected a 1–15 that includes Haereiti Hetet, Frank Lomani as captain, Ponipate Loganimasi returning from injury on the matchday roster, and a bench that features prospects including Iosefo Namoce.
Brumbies Face Squad Changes And Travel Challenges
The Brumbies arrive in Ba on the back of a last‑gasp home loss to the Queensland Reds and have made substantial changes for the trip. Coach Stephen Larkham has been forced to alter his side because of Test player management protocols and injuries, making 10 changes to a team that had been largely settled.
Larkham emphasised the non‑playing difficulties the squad faces, saying the significant challenge is the travel, getting out of Canberra and getting to Fiji. The Brumbies’ list is missing several regulars including Charlie Cale, Rhys van Nek, James Slipper and Corey Toole, while selections prioritise a consistent finish off the bench with Rory Scott named to come on as an impact replacement. Nick Frost returns to the matchday 23 after time out earlier in the season.
Rob Valetini, a Fijian‑heritage back‑rower, brings up his 100th Super Rugby game in this fixture after being rested for the Reds clash; he arranged a block of tickets for family to attend the match in Fiji.
Local Prospects, Debuts And Stakes For Both Sides
Young players and local prospects add another narrative to the occasion. Iosefo Namoce, who played Canberra club rugby in the Dent Cup a year ago and had previously attracted Brumbies interest, is named on the Drua bench and could make his Super Rugby debut against the very side that once monitored him. He has spoken of family excitement and nerves about stepping onto the big stage.
The Brumbies are the only Australian team to have won in Fiji, a fact underlining how challenging the environment can be for touring sides. The Drua sit low on the ladder and are desperate for points, while the Brumbies want to steady their season after the narrow defeat to the Reds; both teams will be keen to settle momentum early in the match.
The clash is being played live and is the focal point of the day in Ba as the new stadium hosts its first Super Rugby match. Coverage notes the game got underway with Tane Edmed kicking off and that match action is the immediate priority for both sides.
