The Fijian Drua have named their side for Saturday’s Super Rugby Round 12 clash with the Otago Highlanders at Four R Stadium in Ba, with coach Glen Jackson insisting camp morale remains high despite public criticism following last weekend’s loss to the Chiefs. The match kicks off at 4pm (Fiji time) and carries heightened significance given both teams sit close on the competition table.
Jackson acknowledged the backlash after a costly error by fullback Ilaisa Droasese in the Chiefs game, but stressed the squad has moved on. “To have a moment like that is not good for anyone,” he said. “I know Fijians and people who watched it will not like what they see. But for me, as the head coach, I have to make sure the players are okay and understand why he did it. We’ve moved on pretty quickly from there.” Droasese missed selection for this fixture, with Isikeli Rabitu named to start at fullback.
There are a number of notable selection moves in the matchday 23. Issak Fines Leleiwasa returns to the starting halfback role with Philip Baselala named among the replacements. In a tactical throwback to earlier rounds when the Drua were managing injuries, experienced halfback Frank Lomani has been shifted to the right wing and local product Joji Nasova will take the left wing spot. Virimi Vakatawa retains his inside centre berth and will line up against fellow Fijian Timoci Tavatavanawai of the Highlanders.
The Drua will also celebrate a milestone: Elia Canakaivata starts at No. 8 and will mark his 50th Super Rugby appearance for the franchise. Isoa Tuwai, who has been an in-form ball runner from the base of the scrum in recent weeks, returns to the bench. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre has reclaimed an outside jersey, and Maika Tuitubou—after an eye-catching debut against the Chiefs—will provide cover among the replacements.
Across the park, the Highlanders come into the Ba fixture off a hard-fought win over Moana Pasifika and plan to unveil a limited Fijian edition Highlanders jersey to mark the Round 12 meeting. The result and style of play against Moana Pasifika have only sharpened the Highlanders’ focus; Jackson described them as “a hard and scrappy team” who “will fight for everything,” noting the two sides share similar traits.
The fixture has clear competition implications. Otago sit seventh with 20 points while the Drua are ninth on 16 points; both have recorded four wins and six losses this season, with the Highlanders nudging ahead on accumulated bonus points. A win in Ba would therefore be meaningful for either side as the season enters its latter stages.
Kickoff at Four R Stadium is scheduled for 4pm Fiji time on Saturday. The match will be watched closely as a barometer of the Drua’s response to recent criticism and the Highlanders’ momentum after their narrow victory last week.