Wallabies centre scores brace as Brumbies edge out Fijian Drua
Len-Ikitau-and-Noah-Lolesio-celebrate-for-the-Brumbies
Wallabies centre Len Ikitau scored two tries as the Brumbies claimed a narrow 28-20 win over the Fijian Drua in Canberra in Super Rugby Pacific.
Brumbies scored four tries on the day with Allan Alaalatoa and Luke Reimer scoring tries around Ikitau’s brace. Fly-half Noah Lolesio was flawless off the tee with four conversions on the day.
The Drua only managed two tries on the day through Isoa Nasilasila and Simione Kuruvoli with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula kicking two conversions and two penalties.
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The Brumbies were out the blocks very quickly with Ikitau crossing for his first six minutes in only for Alaalatoa to score two minutes later. Lolesio kicked both conversions to complete a perfect start for Stephen Larkham’s side.
The next points on the board would only come in the 35th minute through Armstrong-Ravula’s first penalty. The hosts, however, immediately responded with Ikitau’s second. The Drua would stay in the game as Nasilasila crossed before the break.
After half-time the Drua tried to dig in and find a way back into the game. They did just that with Kuruvoli scoring their last try of the game which was converted. The visitors would continue to push and put pressure on the Brumbies but did not alter the scoreboard.
The Brumbies eventually responded through Reimer in the 66th minute, keeping the Canberra side just out of striking distance.
Drua responded with another Armstrong-Ravula penalty in what was the last points of the game as the visitors failed to complete an epic comeback.
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The teams
Brumbies: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andy Muirhead, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Tamati Tua, 11 Ollie Sapsford, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Harrison Goddard, 8 Rob Valetini, 7 Rory Scott, 6 Jahrome Brown, 5 Tom Hooper, 4 Nick Frost, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (c), 2 Connal McInerney, 1 James Slipper
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Harry Vella, 18 Sefo Kautai, 19 Darcy Swain, 20 Luke Reimer, 21 Ryan Lonergan, 22 Declan Meredith, 23 Hudson Creighton
Drua: 15 Selestino Ravutaumada, 14 Junior Ratvua, 13 Iosefo Masi, 12 Michael Naitokani, 11 Taniela Rakuro, 10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 9 Peni Matawalu, 8 Meli Derenalagi (c), 7 Kitione Salawa, 6 Vilive Miramira, 5 Isoa Nasilasila, 4 Mesake Vocevoce, 3 Mesake Doge, 2 Tevita Ikanivere, 1 Haereiti Hetet
Replacements: 16 Mesu Dolokoto, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Samu Tawake, 19 Leone Rotuisolia, 20 Motikiai Murray, 21 Simione Kuruvoli, 22 Kemu Valetini, 23 Ilaisa Droasese