Last year, the Fiijana Drua were a fairytale.
It was a classic underdog sports story: an outsider comes in and against all odds, fights their way to the top for ultimate victory.
This year their story isn’t so straightforward, but it’s equally inspiring.
They have staged the most remarkable comeback in Super W history while in the background dealt with a firestorm of criticism, political and financial issues.
With only handful of last year’s premiership players and new coach, doubters on social media were vocal early on.
Despite the negativity, the Drua women started the year strong, with a convincing win over the Melbourne Rebels but a less convincing win over the Brumbies, both to home crowds in Fiji.
However, on return to Australia, the Fijians suffered their first ever defeat against their premiership rivals the Waratahs with a stinging loss of 31- 5.
The Drua went on to lose their next game to the Western Force, followed by another loss to the Reds.
This left the cynics with no doubt. Three losses in a row, there was no hope for this year’s Fijiana Drua.
Facebook, Fiji Rugby, March 25
Emori Naviti
“The girls lack the required fitness level an their performance was a disappointment. Coach really need to pull up u socks”Facebook, Fiji Rugby, March 31
Ross Liga
“Fijiana team so sloppy in 1st game..not like the team of 2022 … where from game 1 … they captured the fans hearts”Facebook, Fiji Rugby, April 8
Shwetha Sharma
“the only thing inoke male will bring to the team is failure and losses … he will no match to the previous coach”Facebook, Fiji Rugby, April 16
Bentley Daula’asi
“This team is a laughing stock! Where is the Reigning Premier team from last year? Just spoiled my day watching the game on TV yesterday evening!”
However, what happened next is a show of team spirit worthy of a Disney screenplay.
Two weeks ago, the Fijiana Drua were in the headlines in Australia and Fiji but not for rugby.
After their third loss, it was revealed when the team played the Reds, they relied on Brisbane’s Fijian community to feed them because management, Fiji Rugby Union (FRU) couldn’t pay the caterer.
In the same week, the FRU’s former acting chief executive Sale Sorovaki confirmed more than $21 million in revenue for the past financial year.
Days after this was made public, Fiji’s Attorney-General asked the entire FRU board to resign.
This is the climate the Drua were in when they flew to Sydney last weekend to rematch with the Waratahs for the semi-final.
The very team who had served the Pacific islanders their worst-ever loss three weeks earlier.
But then, something magical happened.
From a 17- 0 shortfall, the Drua stunned the Waratahs charging back to win 20 -17, snatching the grand final away from the most dominate team in the competition.
Tomorrow will be the first time a NSW or Sydney based team hasn’t featured in an Australian women’s rugby union grand final.
The Fijiana Drua have shown great resilience to turn the tide.
However, to complete their new fairytale, the Drua must defend their title against the Reds, crowning the Fijians champions for a second year.
The Reds are currently 11 points ahead of the Drua on the Super W ladder.
On Saturday, in North Queensland, the two premiership teams will meet in a double header with Super Rugby Pacific Reds v Waratahs.
Kick off is at 4.45 AEST at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.
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