EXPECT the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s signature potion of playing fast and hard to be infused into them when they face Moana Pasifika this Saturday in their round one 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific fixture.
Head coach Glen Jackson says its something fans could look forward to when they meet their island foes in the match also known as the Battle of the Pacific.
“We understand the (Fijian) Drua DNA is about playing hard and playing fast and that’s what we want to start with,” Jackson said in a press conference yesterday.
“It’s important against a team like Moana (Pasifika) who will also be fit and ready to go that, you know, whoever starts well needs to continue with that so that’s what we’ve gone for.”
He mentioned how this could be seen in their back row, showcased by players such as lock Mesake Vocevoce, Kitione Salawa Junior and Elia Canakaivata.
He pointed out it would also be exciting to see how Vocevoce would fare considering him being named in six where he starts this Saturday.
“We’re excited for that and see how that works out.”
The Fijian Drua also announced its match-day 23 yesterday, which sees four recently signed players making their debut.
They are co-captain Temo Mayanavanua, winger Manasa Mataele, half-back Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, midfield player Virimi Vakatawa and injury cover Penaia Cakobau.
The Fijian Drua meet Moana Pasifika at 3.30pm at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
1-Haereiti Hetet, 2-Zuriel Togiatama, 3-Mesake Doge, 4-Isoa Nasilasila, 5-Temo Mayanavanua, 6-Mesake Vocevoce, 7-Kitione Salawa Junior, 8-Elia Canakaivata, 9-Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 10-Kemu Valetini, 11-Ponipate Loganimasi, 12-Virimi Vakatawa, 13-Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14-Manasa Mataele, 15-Ilaisa Droasese.
16-Penaia Cakobau, 17-Peni Ravai, 18-Samuela Tawake, 19-Joseva Tamani, 20-Isoa Tuwai, 21-Frank Lomani, 22-Isikeli Rabitu, 23-Epeli Momo.
