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Full Noise by SN
Important update on 1476AMBrothers to resume family feud as Brumbies face Drua
Sebastian Tan, AAP • April 17th, 2026 12:00 pm
Backrower Rob Valetini is gearing up to face his brother Kemu at GIO Stadium on Saturday night | Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP
Beating the Fijian Drua would help boost the ACT Brumbies top two aspirations, but for Rob Valetini, a win would be even sweeter.
Valetini will line up in a new look backrow for the Brumbies on Saturday night, but for the first time this year, he'll come face-to-face with his brother Kemu, who is on the bench for the Drua.
Family members are expected to fly from Melbourne to the nation's capital for the occasion after Kemu missed their round five clash, where the Drua triumphed 42-27.
That result also meant Rob couldn't cap off his 100th Super Rugby Pacific appearance with a victory, and with their rematch looming, he is looking to earn a win back.
"We have played each other a couple of times now. But that feeling doesn't go away. It's always unreal to see the sibling on the other side at this level," the backrower with Fijian descent said.
"Hopefully, we can both be on at the same time and have a few minutes against each other.
"Just knowing our parents are watching on from the stands will be really nice."
Kemu Valetini will look to spoil the Brumbies top two hopes | Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP
The Brumbies will need to pick up a victory to keep their top two aspirations intact as they sit three points behind the second-placed Chiefs (27) in a congested ladder.
They will take some confidence from a grinding 14-10 victory against the Highlanders last round, which coach Stephen Larkham branded as their best defensive performance of the year.
"They have got that razzle dazzle about them. They're big athletes, and one-on-one, they're quite hard to tackle and defend against," Rob said of the Drua.
"We talked about our defence being more aggressive ... that will be the main focus for us."
Tom Wright will play his first game after picking up a knee injury against South Africa last year | Photo: James Ross/AAP
The Brumbies will be boosted as Wallabies fullback Tom Wright returns from an ACL tear, although back-rower Charlie Cale has been sidelined after sustaining a shoulder injury against the Highlanders.
"Every game is important. We've already lost a couple of games this year that we're very disappointed in," Larkham said.
"Like every other team, you need to be in the top two because that makes your run into the finals a lot easier."
