Drua duo set for historic milestone in team’s season finale against Reds

Fijian Drua co-captain Tevita Ikanivere and lock Isoa Nasilasila are both set to make history this weekend by becoming the first players to make 50 appearances for the club. Ikanivere and Nasilasila will reach the milestone as the Drua bring their season to a close.

With the Drua out of playoff contention, the Fijians are playing for pride this weekend, when they take on the Queensland Reds in Brisbane. This will be the 58^th Super Rugby Pacific match for the Drua, meaning Ikanivere and Nasilasila have only missed eight matches in four years.

Coach Glen Jackson has named Ikanivere and Nasilasila in the run-on side. Haereiti Hetet and Samuela Tawake will join Ikanivere in the front row, while Mesake Vocevoce is the other player named in the tight five.

Etonia Waqa has been picked at blindside flanker once away, while Motikiai Murray returns from a short-term injury at openside. Rounding out a formidable loose forwards trio is the ever-reliable Kitione Salawa at No. 8.

In the backline, former Fijian U20 star Philip Baselala gets another chance to start for the Drua after recently impressing against the Western Force. Flying Fijians playmaker Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula will join Baselala in the halves, having been named at fly-half.

Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Iosefo Masi will combine in the midfield, while Taniela Rakuro and Ponipate Loganimasi start on a wing each. The last member of the First XV is Selestino Ravutaumada, who retains his place at fullback.

The Drua are currently second-last on the standings and will be eager to avoid the figurative wooden spoon by shocking the Reds at Suncorp Stadium. As for the Queenslanders, they only need a losing bonus point to secure a place in the top six.

Queensland are coming off a thrilling four-point loss to the Hurricanes in Brisbane last week, which was a battle between the fourth and fifth-placed sides on the ladder. They’ll also be hoping to make amends after falling to the Drua 36-33 earlier in the campaign.

This match at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium will kick off at 9:35 pm FJT on Saturday evening.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

28

24

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

80%

Fijian Drua to take on Queensland Reds

1. Haereiti Hetet
2. Tevita Ikanivere (c) – 50th
3. Samuela Tawake
4. Mesake Vocevoce
5. Isoa Nasilasila – 50th
6. Etonia Waqa
7. Motikiai Murray
8. Kitione Salawa
9. Philip Baselala
10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
11. Taniela Rakuro
12. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
13. Iosefo Masi
14. Ponipate Loganimasi
15. Selestino Ravutaumada

Replacements 

16. Zuriel Togiata
17. Peni Ravai
18. Mesake Doge
19. Joseva Tamani
20. Elia Canakaivata
21. Simione Kuruvoli
22. Inia Tabuavou
23. Isikeli Rabitu