An unbelievable final 20 minutes from Luke Reimer has powered the Brumbies to an important first-up win over the Drua in Suva.
The Wallabies rookie was forced off early in the second half with a concussion test, but returned just in the nick of time to inspire a stunning second-half comeback in the Fijian heat and humidity.
With the Brumbies holding on and trailing 32-24, Reimer won three breakdown penalties, including two near his 22-metre line to relieve the pressure, before scoring two tries to lead the visitors to a remarkable 36-32 victory.
The victory meant the Brumbies became the first Australian side to taste victory in Fiji over the Drua.
The Brumbies celebrate an early try against the Drua at HFC Stadium in Suva on February 15, 2025. (Photo by Pita Simpson/Getty Images)
Few would have been happier than coach Stephen Larkham, who by his own admission took a “risk” by leaving out several of his Test stars, including Nick Frost, Len Ikitau and Tom Wright, but came away with not just an important win but will be in a better position to attack the next month, which includes a difficult two-week tour to New Zealand to face the Chiefs and Blues.
Making the quick trip to Fiji even more satisfying is that Larkham managed to give six players their first Brumbies caps.
“So proud,” acting captain Ryan Lonergan said. “To be able to play six debutants and they go out there and play that heart and claw back that deficit it’s a credit to them. They’ve worked so hard in the pre-season and to get the chocolates at the end, I’m so happy.”
In stark contrast the disappointment was written all over the Drua players, who looked bewildered at how they lost a match that was there for the taking.
“It was disappointing how we finished in the last ten minutes, but hats off to the Brumbies for going at it for the full 80 minutes,” hooker Tevita Ikanivere said.
“They affected our breakdown on the edge, so hats off to them.”
Reimer was the star of the afternoon, but he wasn’t alone with hooker Billy Pollard getting through plenty of work, while Tom Hooper and Rory Scott were ever-present.
Wallabies fly-half Noah Lolesio had a frustrating afternoon in the humidity, especially in the lead up to half time.
But despite making 19 turnovers, including 12 by half-time when the Drua were reduced to 13 after two quick yellow cards, the experienced and well-drilled Brumbies refused to go away and showed why they continue to be the Australian rugby pace setters.