Nasova earns Dura debut

Nasova earns Dura debut

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have unveiled their line-up for Round 3 of the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific. Injuries have forced Head Coach Glen Jackson to make changes to the matchday 23 as the Drua host the high flying Hurricanes at Lautoka’s Churchill Park for the first time. Jackson has handed a start to Olympic silver medallist Joji Nasova, who becomes Drua No. 73 when he runs onto the field this Saturday.

Also returning to the matchday 23 are forwards Etonia Waqa, Emosi Tuqiri and Vilive Miramira.

In the starting 15, Haereiti Hetet (1) retains his place at loosehead prop with Mesake Doge (3) at tighthead and Zuriel Togiatama (2) at hooker.

Mesake Vocevoce (4) will start at lock replacing injured co-captain Temo Mayanavanua, partnering Isoa Nasilasila (5) in the middle row. Running out for his 29th appearance for the club, outstanding loose forward Etonia Waqa (6) starts at blindside flanker position this week with Motikiai Murray (7) at openside. The blockbusting Elia Canakaivata (8) retains his place at number 8 loose forward.

In the backline, co-captain Frank Lomani (9) starts at halfback, partnering Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (10) who is at flyhalf. Epeli Momo (11) gets a start on the left wing with Nasova (14) taking his right-wing position. Isikeli Rabitu (12) starts at inside centre with Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (13) outside him. Ilaisa Droasese (15) is at fullback.

Jackson opted for a 6 – 2 split on the bench this week, naming Kavaia Tagivetaua (16) as backup hooker, Emosi Tuqiri (17) at loosehead and Peni Ravai (18) at tighthead. Vilive Miramira (19) will cover for the locks. Kitione Salawa (20) and Isoa Tuwai (21) have been named as back up loose forwards. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (22) and Inia Tabuavou (23) will cover the backline this Saturday.

ASPEN MEDICAL INJURY WARD

-       Temo Mayanavanua (knee)

-       Ponipate Loganimasi (hip)

-       Manasa Mataele (leg)

-       Meli Tuni (shoulder)

-       Simione Kuruvoli (shoulder)

AQUASAFE WOW FACTS

From Ba to the Big Stage: Olympic silver medallist Joji Nasova makes his Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific debut this week, capping a meteoric rise for the Toge villager from Ba. He emerged from local 7s with Dominion Brothers to finish as the 2025 HSBC SVNS top try scorer and earned a Men’s Dream Team selection. He joined the Fijian Drua for season 2026 eager to stamp his mark in the 15s game.

Solid Ice: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua most capped player, Isoa Nasilasila currently leads Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific for lineouts won, tied at 10 with Matt Philip (Waratahs), Te Kamaka Howden (Highlanders) and Lachie Shaw (Brumbies).

Milestone Man: Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Co-captain Frank Lomani will join a small illustrious group when he runs out for his 61st Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific appearance this Saturday. He becomes the second Drua player to cross the 60 mark. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa will be on 63 when he comes off the bench this weekend. Manasa Mataele (not playing this weekend) is on 60.

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