Two potential debutants named in Drua side for historic Super Rugby match

Two potential debutants have been named in the Fijian Drua matchday 23 for a historic match in Ba. This weekend’s match against the ACT Brumbies will be the first time a Super Rugby Pacific fixture will be played in the province, with the match set to kick off at 3:30 pm.

Sairusi Ravudi and Iosefo Namoce are both in line to potentially debut for the Drua in round five, with the pair named on the bench. Former Wallaby Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa and Flying Fijians prop Peni Ravai have also been selected among the impact players.

Coach Glen Jackson has named hometown favourite Joji Nasova in the run-on side on the wing, with the 2024/25 HSBC SVNS Series Dream Team player joining Ilaisa Droasese and Ponipate Loganimasi in the outside backs.

Isikeli Rabitu will partner vice-captain Tuidraki Samusamuvodre in the midfield, with captain Frank Lomani links up with in-form playmaker Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula in the halves.

In the forwards, Haereiti Hetet has been named at loosehead prop. Hetet will pack down alongside hooker Zuriel Togiatama and Mesaka Doge, while locks Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila round out the tight five.

Etonia Waqa has been selected at blindside flanker, with openside Motikiai Murray and No. 8 Elia Canakaivata completing the loose forwards trio. Other impact players on the bench include Emosi Tuqiri, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa and Isoa Tuwai.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

0

Wins

3

Average Points scored

30

31

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

60%

The Drua are looking to repeat their heroics from round three when they defeated the Hurricanes 25-20. Before that, the Drua had fallen 40-26 to Moana Pasifika to start the season, and lost 36-13 away to the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.

Fijian Drua to take on ACT Brumbies

1. Haereiti Hetet
2. Zuriel Togiatama
3. Mesake Doge
4. Mesake Vocevoce
5. Isoa Nasilasila
6. Etonia Waqa
7. Motikiai Murray
8. Elia Canakaivata
9. Frank Lomani (c)
10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
11. Ponipate Loganimasi
12. Isikeli Rabitu
13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
14. Joji Nasova
15. Ilaisa Droasese
    Replacements
16. Sairusi Ravudi *
17. Emosi Tuqiri
18. Peni Ravai
19. Vilive Miramira
20. Kitione Salawa
21. Isoa Tuwai
22. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
23. Iosefo Namoce *

*Potential debutant

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