Fijian Drua have won both Super Rugby Pacific matches against the NSW Waratahs in Fiji. Photo credit: Supplied/ Super Rugby Pacific.
Source: RNZ Pacific
The Fijian Drua will host the NSW Waratahs in their last home game of the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, at HFC Bank Stadium, Suva this afternoon (Saturday, kickoff 4:35pm NZT), as they continue to chase a playoff place.
The side is set to miss tough prop Haereiti Hetet due to an injury he sustained during the week, adding to their injury woes this season.
Head coach Glen Jackson described Hetet’s injury as unfortunate as he had established himself as a regular in the side’s starting lineup over the past few weeks.
The injury is expected to also rule him out of the Flying Fijians Nations Championship commitments in July.
Jackson admitted the loss was massive for the squad, especially with Hetet nearing his 50th appearance milestone for the club.
Veteran prop Peni Ravai, who played in the French Top 14 before spending three years with the Reds, will fill in for Hetet.
“Peni has been playing unbelievable for us this year. With his experience of playing in Australia and test matches, that just gave him the nod,” Jackson said.
Despite emotions running high during the season, Jackson said the players were excited to return to the Fijian capital, especially with many squad members having strong ties to the region.
“We’re excited to get to Suva for the one and only game up there. And boys, as you know, most of them are from up those ways.”
The Drua, currently sitting on ninth place in point standings, head into the clash refreshed after a bye week.
Jackson pointed to the breakdown battle as a key area for the team once again, saying winning possession will be critical for their go-forward plans against the Waratahs.
“We look after our ball, we get our exciting backs freedom out there,” he said.
Jackson said Waratahs is “essentially a Wallabies team” and would be tough to beat.
Waratahs, which has included six capped Wallabies in the matchday 23, have named big Fijian prop Apolosi Ranawai on the bench for the Round 14 clash.
Drua have kept co-captain Frank Lomani out on the wing, with injuries to regular wingers Ponipate Loganimasi, Joji Nasova, Isikeli Momo and Taniela Rakuro, keeping them out of the match-day 23.
Former Wallaby halfback Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and former French international Virimi Vakatawa have been named in the starting lineup.
Fijian Drua: 1. Peni Ravai, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Temo Mayanavanua (co-captain), 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Manasa Mataele, 12. Virimi Vakatawa, 13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14. Frank Lomani (co-captain), 15. Isikeli Rabitu
Bench: 16. Kavaia Tagivetaua, 17. Emosi Tuqiri, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Vilive Miramira, 21. Isoa Tuwai, 22. Philip Baselala, 23. Kemu Valetini
NSW Waratahs: 1. Jack Barrett, 2. Ioane Moananu, 3. Dan Botha, 4. Matt Philip (captain), 5. Miles Amatosero, 6. Clem Halaholo, 7. Charlie Gamble, 8. Angus Scott-Young, 9. Teddy Wilson, 10. Jack Bowen, 11. Triston Reilly, 12. Lawson Creighton, 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 14. Harry Potter, 15. Max Jorgensen
Bench: 16. Oniti Finau, 17. Isaac Kailea, 18. Apolosi Ranawai, 19. Ben Grant, 20. Jamie Adamson, 21. Michael McDonald, 22. Jack Debreczeni, 23. Sid Harvey
Moana Pasifika has a bye this weekend.
Check with your local Pacific broadcasters for match coverage.