An unbelievable closing 20 minutes from Luke Reimer has powered the Brumbies to an necessary first-up win over the Drua in Suva.
The Wallabies rookie was pressured off early within the second half with a concussion take a look at, however returned simply within the nick of time to encourage a shocking second-half comeback within the Fijian warmth and humidity.
With the Brumbies holding on and trailing 32-24, Reimer received three breakdown penalties, together with two close to his 22-metre line to alleviate the strain, earlier than scoring two tries to steer the guests to a exceptional 36-32 victory.
The victory meant the Brumbies turned the primary Australian aspect to style victory in Fiji over the Drua.
The Brumbies have a good time an early attempt in opposition to the Drua at HFC Stadium in Suva on February 15, 2025. (Picture by Pita Simpson/Getty Pictures)
Few would have been happier than coach Stephen Larkham, who by his personal admission took a “danger” by leaving out a number of of his Take a look at stars, together with Nick Frost, Len Ikitau and Tom Wright, however got here away with not simply an necessary win however will probably be in a greater place to assault the subsequent month, which features a tough two-week tour to New Zealand to face the Chiefs and Blues.
Making the short journey to Fiji much more satisfying is that Larkham managed to offer six gamers their first Brumbies caps.
“So proud,” appearing captain Ryan Lonergan mentioned. “To have the ability to play six debutants they usually go on the market and play that coronary heart and claw again that deficit it’s a credit score to them. They’ve labored so onerous within the pre-season and to get the sweets on the finish, I’m so blissful.”
In stark distinction the frustration was written everywhere in the Drua gamers, who seemed bewildered at how they misplaced a match that was there for the taking.
“It was disappointing how we completed within the final ten minutes, however hats off to the Brumbies for going at it for the total 80 minutes,” hooker Tevita Ikanivere mentioned.
“They affected our breakdown on the sting, so hats off to them.”
Reimer was the star of the afternoon, however he wasn’t alone with hooker Billy Pollard getting by way of loads of work, whereas Tom Hooper and Rory Scott have been ever-present.
Wallabies fly-half Noah Lolesio had a irritating afternoon within the humidity, particularly within the lead as much as half time.
However regardless of making 19 turnovers, together with 12 by half-time when the Drua have been diminished to 13 after two fast yellow playing cards, the skilled and well-drilled Brumbies refused to go away and confirmed why they proceed to be the Australian rugby tempo setters.
