RISING Swire Shipping Fijian Drua utility back Isikeli Rabitu faces the toughest challenge of his Super Rugby career so far as he lines up against Hurricanes co-captain and All Blacks inside centre Jordie Barrett.
Barrett, a Hurricanes centurion and the All-Blacks vice-captain, has proven his mettle at both Super Rugby Pacific and international levels.
During his sabbatical with Leinster last year, he made a significant impact in the English Premiership.
His fine form continues to ignite the Hurricanes’ midfield, as demonstrated in his first Super Rugby match of the season last week against Moana Pasifika.
Analysts widely praised Barrett’s influence, describing him as the “sauce” behind the team’s clinical attacking play.
As captain, he led a defensive effort that limited Moana Pasifika to just two tries. Observers highlighted his timing on the ball, which gave the Hurricanes a “flow” they lacked in his absence.
Although he did not win the man-of-the-match award, Barrett was named in the Super Rugby Team of the Week by numerous New Zealand media outlets.
With Virimi Vakatawa missing from the Drua’s line-up against the Hurricanes, the daunting task of containing the 78-cap All Black — who appears to be in some of the best form of his career — falls to 21-year-old Rabitu.
Dubbed as one of the most talented young and upcoming backline players in Fiji by head coach Glen Jackson, Rabitu will need to build on his performance from last week against the Waratahs, where he earned the team’s Player of the Match award.
Despite going down 13-26 to the Waratahs, Rabitu stood out in his first professional start at inside centre, his composure and creativity enabled him to breach the Waratahs’ defence on multiple occasions.
He also impressed on defence, helping direct play alongside fly-half Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, although the team struggled with set-piece execution and territorial control overall.
To contain Barrett, Rabitu and the Drua defence must focus on three key areas:
1. Neutralise the “Facilitator” Role: Beyond his crash-ball abilities, Barrett excels as a second playmaker, setting up teammates like Billy Proctor and Josh Moorby with perfectly timed passes. Rabitu and the Drua must stay disciplined and focused on their defensive line to limit Barrett’s passing and playmaking threats in midfield.
2. Chop Tackle Technique: Given Barrett’s “lock-like” frame and powerful hand-off, Rabitu should prioritise low “chop” tackles targeting his core and legs. Tackling Barrett high risks, a power mismatch or a penalty for contact to the head.
3. Pressure the Kicking Game: Barrett’s kicking prowess provides a reliable escape option for the Hurricanes with his formidable right boot. Rabitu needs to coordinate with fly-half Armstrong-Ravula to apply constant “inside-out” pressure, forcing Barrett to kick under duress or in tight spaces. The Drua must also maintain their discipline, lest the Hurricanes unleash Barrett’s long and accurate goal-kicking skills at the Drua fortress in Lautoka.
This encounter promises to be a stern test for the young Rabitu as he seeks to rise to the occasion against one of the game’s premier midfield operators. Fans can expect a thrilling midfield battle that could shape the outcome of the match.
