'It's part of their culture': Brumbies excited by Drua challenge after Sevens star Hinds' addition

Tue, Mar 11, 2025, 9:48 PM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Siokapesi Palu Round 3 Press Conference

The ACT Brumbies are energised by the opportunity to face the Drua in Lautoka.

The Brumbies started their year with a thrilling draw against the Western Force before facing Penina Pasifika on the bye.

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It leaves the side feeling the pressure for Saturday's game, with home clashes with the Queensland Reds and NSW Waratahs to come.

"There is a lot of pressure. Ideally, we do want to win this game against Fiji," captain Siokapesi Palu told the media.

"That drawn game against Force, we know with confidence that we actually had it. We know that we're confident that we could've won it (but) it takes a full 80-minute game.

"We know that they love their Rugby; it's part of their culture. We know that they'll support the game, but in saying that, when Fiji play at home, we've seen what they can do, and we just hope that we really do step up."

The Brumbies are boosted by the arrival of Sevens hero Tia Hinds, who instantly made an impact with a kick and re-gather try in last week's Penina trial.

Hinds is expected to play on Saturday, forming a strong partnership with Wallaroo Faitala Moleka.

"She'll complement Faitala's (Moleka) game in terms of game management. I think they'll work really well together," Palu said.

The Brumbies were encouraged by their 52-33 trial win over the Drua last month in Canberra.

However, they know they need to rise to another level if they are to claim their first win in Fiji.

"We've really started to piece together something really good here," Palu added. 

"We've developed, and we're a much stronger team than we were at first. 

"Acknowledging that the Fiji team that we play against probably would be different to the first time we played them in trials, but I hope winning against Fiji in that trial match gives us confidence that we can do it."

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