Talei Matairakula 
[Source: Super Rugby Pacific]
A brave comeback by the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua was not enough as they went down 43-28 to the Brumbies in Canberra in their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash last night.
A poor first 20 and last 10 minutes cost the Drua the game.
The Brumbies put the Drua under pressure from the first whistle.
Former Aussie 7s rep Ben O’Donnell scored a hat-trick got the home side.
Our Drua was trailing 19-0 in the first 20 minutes before scoring two converted tries to Peni Matawalu and captain Teti Tela as the Brumbies were in front at halftime by five.
Ryan Lonergan, Andy Muirhead and O’Donell added another three tries for the hosts in the second spell while Iosefo Masi and Kalaveti Ravouvou crossed for the Drua.
The Drua could’ve have added another two tries but the TMO ruled a knock and double movement.
Flanker Joseva Tamani copped a yellow card for collapsing a maul late in the match.
Two poor exit plays in the last 10 minutes by the Drua saw them conceding a penalty try and the third try to O’Donnell.
Despite the result, coach Mick Byrne is proud of the effort.
“We took it on up front we tried to be physical there and I thought we carried really well leading into the halftime, I thought we started to get across the gain line well and we gave our backs a chance to play, I’m proud of the boys”.
The Drua play the Chiefs next Friday in New Zealand at 7:05pm.
On the money 🎯@Fijian_Drua score off a pinpoint kick from Teti Tela!#BRUvDRU #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/PY3fRaa58P
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) April 14, 2023
.@BrumbiesRugby finish strong to take the win 💪#BRUvDRU #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/HL3H4j6FhS
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) April 14, 2023
The luck of the bounce for Ben O’Donnell 👌#BRUvDRU #SuperRugbyPacific pic.twitter.com/DLLUhcMqQZ
— Super Rugby Pacific (@SuperRugby) April 14, 2023
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