The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have had their second and final bye, so it’s time to return to action for their final match in 2025. Time to finish on a high and break the 22-game losing streak away from Fiji.
This is my final Clarkie’s Corner for the season, and I can’t help but think that this year was all about missed opportunities. The Drua put themselves in a position to win at least another 3 games, but they didn’t complete the job.
Those early losses to the Brumbies, Hurricanes and Waratahs cost them an opportunity to reach the play-offs for the third straight year. Instead, they’re in a battle to avoid the wooden spoon. That’s how tough this competition is.
On their good days the Drua play like a Top Six team. Yes, it’s always at home in conditions they prefer and in front of their amazing fans. But when they put if all together, they’re a joy to watch and a great team to commentate.
Unfortunately, life on the road hasn’t brought the best out in them, and I’d love nothing more than for them to win in Brisbane tonight. But it won’t be easy because the Reds are desperate to bounce back to winning form to give them some momentum going into the play-offs.
Win or lose tonight, it’s going to be hard to give the Drua a ‘pass mark’ this year. But an upset victory will mean they won’t finish at the bottom of the table, and it will give us all hope for 2026 which is shaping up to be a rebuilding year.
Big names are moving on. Ravutaumada, Masi and Muntz, as well as Ikanivere who confirmed this week that he is heading to Japan. It was a tough decision for Tevita to make as he’s been a huge part of the Drua Vuvale since the Club’s inception.
That’s why the Drua was set up. Rather than leave Fiji at school age or late teens, players now have the chance to play for a professional club and develop their skills at home before signing a big contract overseas and bettering themselves and their families.
So best wishes to those moving on and I hope those who are staying can turn on a good performance tonight, so Flying Fijians’ Coach Mick Byrne won’t be able to ignore. There’s an exciting Test season on the way and I want to see many Drua players involved.
I like the look of the squad that Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson has selected to take on the Reds tonight. It’s good to see back rower Motikiai Murray back from injury and Philip Baselala’s selection alongside Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula could be a guide to the future in the halves.
Isoa Nasilasila and Tevita Ikanivere are set to become the first Drua players to reach the 50-game milestone. That is a great achievement considering the club is only 4 seasons old and there has only been two playoff matches.
The Reds have named an unchanged pack from the run on team that faced the Hurricanes last week. But there are changes in the backline with Josh Flook returning after a 12-week injury lay-off, and Tim Ryan starts on the wing.
Despite never winning at Suncorp Stadium the Drua has a good record against the Queenslanders. They’ve won their last 3 against the Reds, all on Fiji soil. They’ve never won four straight against any opposition.
In their two games at Suncorp the Drua have lost by just 3 points in 2023 and 5 points in 2022. With the majority of tonight’s squad backing up from the last start victory over the Force in Lautoka, this is a great opportunity for the Drua to break their long ‘away’ drought.
The Reds have lost two of their last three games at Suncorp Stadium, so it hasn’t been a fortress for them of late. They’re coming off a 4-point loss to the Hurricanes last week at the venue, but they haven’t lost consecutive games in Brisbane since 2023.
So, it’s shaping up to be a great game and let’s hope the Drua can help captain Ikanivere and lock Nasilasila celebrate their 50th cap with a victory on the road.
Nasilasila has had plenty to celebrate overt the past week as he was named the Drua Men’s Player of the Year. He thoroughly deserved it as he’s been very consistent all year. It’s great that’s he’ll still be around next year as the Drua needs his experience.
Congratulations to the other winners at the Drua Awards night. Alfreda Fisher was voted the Women’s Player of the Year after a breakout year in her rookie season, and she went on to captain Fijiana against the Wallaroos in Suva.
Josivini Naihamu and the Ponipate Loganimasi won their respective Rookie of the Year Awards, while Salaseini Railamu and Ponipate were voted the Fan’s Players of the Year.
Women’s Players’ Player of the Year is Vitaline Naikore and Elia Canakaivata won the Men’s Players’ Player of the year Award. These are special awards as they are voted by teammates.
So, another Drua season is about to come to an end, and it was fantastic to be part of the Commentary team for the 4th season. I’ve loved being part of it, and while there weren’t as many highs compared to recent years, it’s always fun to see the Drua play well in front of their loyal and passionate fans. Bring on 2026.
