Swire Shipping Fijian Drua co-captain Tevita Ikanivere and outstanding lock Isoa Nasilasila will mark a historic milestone when they run out against the Queensland Reds this Saturday.
The two will become the first players to reach 50 appearances for the Drua. Head coach Glen Jackson has named them both in the starting lineup for Round 16 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific match at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
The match will be the Drua’s 58th Super Rugby Pacific fixture, meaning Ikanivere and Nasilasila have missed just eight matches in four years.
Also returning this week is talented flanker Motikiai Murray, who is back from a short-term injury.
In the Drua’s starting 15, Haereiti Hetet starts at loosehead. Samuela Tawake is at tighthead with captain Ikanivere starting at hooker.
Locks Mesake Vocevoce and Nasilasila retain their place in the middle row.
The electrifying Etonia Waqa starts the match at blindside flanker with Murray at openside. Kitione Salawa starts as the number 8 loose forward.
In the backline, young Philip Baselala gets another start at halfback, partnering Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula who is at flyhalf.
Taniela Rakuro retains his place on the left wing with speedster and Pepsi Men’s Rookie of the Year Ponipate Loganimasi starting on the right wing.
2025 Tanoa Hotels Community Champion of the Year Tuidraki Samusamuvodre is at inside centre with Iosefo Masi at the outside centre position. Fan favourite Selestino Ravutaumada retains his place at fullback this week.
For bench impact this week, this year’s MOGUL Dausoko award winner Zuriel Togiatama is backup hooker, Peni Ravai at loosehead and Mesake Doge covering the tighthead prop position.
Joseva Tamani will provide cover for the locks while the rampaging Elia Canakaivata, who was the Drua’s 2025 Players’ Player of the Year, backs up the loose forward trio.
Simione Kuruvoli will cover halfback. Inia Tabuavou will come off the bench this week to cover the centres. Isikeli Rabitu completes matchday squad as backline utility.
