Sowakula scores in loss to Brumbies

Fiji-born loose forward Pita Gus Sowakula dotted a try in Chiefs 38-28 loss to the Brumbies in Round 12 of Super Rugby Pacific yesterday in Hamilton. 

 

The Brumbies struck first after a setup from Tom Wright saw Nic White pounce at the left try line for the opening try and Noah Lolesio converted but minutes later the Chiefs levelled the score line after a try from Alex Nankivell and Bryn Gatland’s conversion. 

 

The Brumbies were denied a try from Wallabies back-rower Rob Valetini but they continued to fight hard and Folau Fainga’a broke the lock with a try but Lolesio failed to convert before he booted a penalty. 

 

The Chiefs worked hard and made a comeback try through Cortez Ratima while Gatland converted; however, Brumbies fired up with a penalty from Lolesio for a slender 18-14 lead at the break. 

 

Both teams tussled hard in the second stanza while Brumbies remained content and scored through Len Ikatu and Lolesio’s conversion and penalty extended the lead. 

 

The Chiefs took some time and they gave a response through powerhouse No.8 Sowakula briefly reducing the deficit to seven points with a try in the 57th minute and Kaleb Trask converted.

 

The Brumbies took the victory home after Billy Pollard added another converted try and Lolesio kicked a penalty. 

The Chiefs came up late with a try from Naitoa Ah Kuoi while Gatland converted. 

By Romeka Romena