PONIPATE Loganimasi has returned to start on the right wing this week for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s round 13 Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Blues in Suva tomorrow.
Loganimasi’s inclusion in head coach Glen Jackson’s official match day 23 means he will return following his exclusion in recent Super Rugby Pacific outings for the Drua.
Since the 2025 season began, he is the player with the second highest clean breaks at 18, equaling Corey Toole of the Brumbies.
Meanwhile, Jackson has retained a majority of his 23-member team from last week’s match against the Queensland Reds.
The selection proved timely for the head coach when the Drua won 36-33 in a last-minute finisher by Isikeli Rabitu who will start on the bench for the clash against the Blues.
Meanwhile, Sailosi Vukalokalo is the latest addition to the team, starting on the bench with the chance to earn a potential Super Rugby Pacific debut.
Vukalokalo returns after recovering from a long-term injury to help the Drua hoist and maintain its sails against the Blues.
Meanwhile, as the Drua prepare themselves for their duel against the defending champions, nine players have been added to the injury list. They include Motikiai Murray, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Ilaisa Droasese, Epeli Momo, Frank Lomani, Caleb Muntz, Meli Derenalagi, Etonia Waqa and Vilive Miramira.
Taniela Rakuro is now the third try scorer for the Drua, equalling the record set by Lomani.
The Drua face the Blues at 7.05pm at the HFC Bank Stadium tomorrow.
Match-day 23: Starters
1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Mesake Doge (c), 4. Mesake Vocevoce, 5. Isoa Nasilasila, 6. Joseva Tamani, 7. Isoa Tuwai, 8. Kitione Salawa, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10.Kemu Valetini, 11. Taniela Rakuro, 12. Inia Tabuavou, 13. Vuate Karawalevu, 14. Ponipate Loganimasi 15. Selestino Ravutaumada.
Impact
16. Tevita Ikanivere, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Sailosi Vukalokalo, 20. Elia Canakaivata, 21. Philip Baselala, 22. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23. Isikeli Rabitu.
