Ex-Fiji U20 star set for starting debut in Drua's crunch clash with Force

Former Fiji U20 halfback Philip Baselala will start a Super Rugby Pacific match for the first time this weekend when the Fijian Drua take on the Western Force at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.

With the 12th-placed Drua out of the playoff race, the Fijians want to give their passionate fans something to cheer about in the team’s final home match of the 2025 season.

Coach Glen Jackson has named a solid squad to take on the Force, who will make the long-haul trek from Perth to Lautoka for the Round 14 clash. Baselala is the story of the week, named to start after making six previous appearances off the bench over two seasons.

Baselala represented Fiji at last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa, starting at halfback in four of five appearances. In the other match against Argentina, Baselala moved to fly-half, but the Fijians went down 43-22 at Danie Craven Stadium.

Baselala will partner Kemu Valetini in the halves this weekend, while Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula while Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula will line up at fullback. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Iosefo Masi are the centre pairing, while Taniel Rakuro and Ponpate Loganimasi are the wingers.

In the forwards, coach Jackson has named a star-studded front-row again that consists of Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere who is back in the starting side this week, and loosehead prop Samuela Tawake.

Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila round out the tight five as the two locks. The backrow is made up of Etonia Waqa, who is back from injury, Isoa Tuwai at openside flanker, and Elia Canakaivata who starts at No. 8.

Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge and Selestino Ravutaumada are among those more established players named on the bench, looking to make their mark on the contest when coach Jackson calls their name.

On the injury front, Frank Lomani and Caleb Muntz are both still out with injury. Lomani and Muntz join six others in the injury ward, those being Zuriel Togiatama, Motikiai Murray, Ilaisa Droasese, Epeli Momo, Meil Derenalagi and Vilive Miramra.

The Drua are looking to extend their winning streak at Churchill Park to 10 matches.

This fixture will kick off at 3:35 pm FJT on Saturday.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

2

Average Points scored

24

28

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

100%

Fijian Drua to take on Western Force

1. Haereiti Hetet
2. Tevita Ikanivere (c)
3. Samuela Tawake
4. Mesake Vocevoce
5. Isoa Nasilasila
6. Etonia Waqa
7. Isoa Tuwai
8. Elia Canakaivata
9. Philip Baselala
10. Kemu Valetini
11. Taniela Rakuro
12. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
13. losefo Masi
14. Ponipate Loganimasi
15. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula

Replacements

16. Mesulame Dolokoto
17. Peni Ravai
18. Mesake Doge
19. Leone Rotuisolia
20. Kitione Salawa
21. Leone Nawai
22. Inia Tabuavou
23. Selestino Ravutaumada