Drua announce lineup for round 2

Drua announce lineup for round 2

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson has made key changes to the matchday 23 for Round 2 of the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash against the NSW Waratahs.

The team list sees a potential debut for promising young hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua, who starts as back-up hooker for this match. A product of the Fiji U20 and the Drua Development system, Tagivetaua has been a regular feature for Naitasiri in local provincial competition. He has also one cap for the Flying Fijians against Spain in last year’s November tour. 

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

 In the middle row, Isoa Nasilasila (4) partners co-captain Temo Mayanavanua (5). A change in starting loosies this week sees Joseva Tamani (6) earn a start at blindside with young Motikiai Murray (7) at openside. Blockbusting Elia Canakaivata (8) retains his place at number 8.

 There’s also a change in halves starting this match with, co-captain Frank Lomani (9) at halfback partnering Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (10) who is at flyhalf. Taniela Rakuro (11) will start on the left wing this week with Ponipate Loganimasi (14) moving to the right. Isikeli Rabitu (12) starts at inside centre with Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (13) outside him. Ilaisa Droasese (15) completes the starting line-up at fullback.

For impact this week, Tagivetaua (16) is backup hooker, Peni Ravai (17) at loosehead, with Samuela Tawake (18) covering the tighthead prop position. Lanky second rower Mesake Vocevoce (19) will cover for the locks and Kiti Salawa (20) backs up the loose forward trio. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (21) will cover the halves with Inia Tabuavou (22) covering the centres. Manasa Mataele (23) completes matchday squad covering the back three. 

AQUASAFE WOW FACTS

PRACTICAL PATHWAY: Hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua has risen through the Fijian rugby pathway: Kaji (kids) Rugby ➡️ Vodafone Deans (MBHS) ➡️ Fiji Under-20 ➡️ Fiji Warriors ➡️ Naitasiri ➡️ Drua Development ➡️ Fijian Drua ➡️ Flying Fijian.

POWER PLAY: Elia Canakaivata leads the current squad of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in try-scoring with 10 to his name heading into Round 2 of Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.

NEED FOR SPEED: Ponipate Loganimasi is making an immediate impact in his second season, ranking second in the overall Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition for offloads after Round 1.

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