New-look Fijian Drua starting side named for Hurricanes clash

Coach Glen Jackson has made 13 changes to the Fijian Drua’s starting side ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Hurricanes at Napier’s McLean Park. Hooker Co-captain Tevita Ikanivere drops out of the 23 altogether, while try-scoring machine Iosefo Masi will come off the bench.

After last weekend’s narrow loss to the ACT Brumbies in Suva, the Drua are looking to bounce back against a Hurricanes side also chasing their first win of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, having lost to the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.

Lock Mesake Vocevoce and backrower Ella Canakaivata are the only two members of the First XV who played the Brumbies who have retained their spots. Coach Jackson has made mass changes to the side, which includes an entirely new backline.

Emosi Tuqiri, Zuriel Togiatama and Mesake Doge will form an all-new front-row trio, while Vocevoce joins Isoa Nasilasila in the second row. Meli Derenalagi, Motikiai Murray and Canakaivata round out the forward pack as a solid backrow trio.

Team co-captain Frank Lomani joins 2024 Flying Fijians debutant Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula in the halves, with Caleb Muntz dropping back to the bench. Inia Tabuavou and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre will link up in the Drua’s midfield.

The other three players selected are electric winger Taniela Rakuro on the left edge, Junior Ratuva on the right, and reliable fullback Ilaisa Droasese in the No. 15 jersey. Kitione Salawa, Muntz and Masi are players to watch on the Drua’s bench.

This match at Napier’s McLean Park will get underway at 3:35 pm FJT on Saturday afternoon.

Head-to-Head

Last 4 Meetings

Wins

3

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

42

20

First try wins

100%

Home team wins

75%

Fijian Drua to take on Hurricanes

1. Emosi Tuqiri

2. Zuriel Togiatama

3. Mesake Doge

4. Mesake Vocevoce

5. Isoa Nasilasila

6. Meli Derenalagi

7. Motikiai Murray

8. Ella Canakaivata

9. Frank Lomani (cc)

10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula

11. Taniela Rakuro

12. Inia Tabuavou

13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre

14. Junior Ratuva

15. Ilaisa Droasese

Replacements

16. Mesulame Dolokoto

17. Peni Ravai

18. Meli Tuni

19. Leona Rotuisolia

20. Kitione Salawa

21. Peni Matawalu

22. Caleb Muntz

23. Iosefo Masi