The Fijian Drua have rewritten a chunk of their travel history after claiming their first-ever win in Canberra last weekend, ending a 26-game away losing streak and securing back-to-back victories over the Brumbies for the first time. The upset at GIO Stadium — coming after a win in Ba — has given the squad fresh momentum as the team chases a maiden run of three consecutive wins and a late charge for the Super Rugby Pacific play-offs.
Head coach Glen Jackson said the victory was powered as much by the emotional milestones in the camp as by on-field execution. Tighthead Samuela Tawake’s 50th Super Rugby cap and the timely return from injury of lock Temo Mayanavanua were singled out as galvanising influences, while Mayanavanua himself marks his 100th first-class appearance today (59 at Lyon, 37 at Northampton, four for the Drua). Jackson has also highlighted the value of experience across the roster — the squad now boasts more than 800 combined Super Rugby Pacific caps — a factor he believes has built belief and steadied the side in pressure moments.
The win materially changes the Drua’s play-off mathematics. Jackson had warned the squad they would need five of their final seven matches to have a realistic shot at the Top Six; with successive wins over the Force and Brumbies, that target has shifted to three victories from the remaining five games, two of which are at home. Strong defensive form in closing stages — notably the last 10 minutes in Canberra — and a league-low missed-tackle rate are trends the Drua will aim to sustain as they push for history.
There are a number of lineup milestones and changes as the campaign enters its closing rounds. Co-captains Josua Tuisova Lomani and Mayanavanua start together for the first time since week two, and back-row depth will be tested after injuries. Maika Tuitubou is set to make his Drua debut at centre, promoted from the Fijian pathways — Nadi U19s, Fiji U20s, Fiji Warriors and the Drua Development squad under Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani — stepping in for the injured Tuidraki Samusamuvodre. Isoa Nasilasila will be rested and earmarked as a finisher, while Mesake Vocevoce partners Mayanavanua in the second row.
The opposition present a stern test. The Chiefs arrive in Christchurch on the back of four straight wins and are hunting a fifth in succession for the first time since 2023. Their run was extended by an extra-time triumph over the Hurricanes last week, but that win came at a cost: regular captain Luke Jacobson and key backs Samipeni Finau, Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo and Kaylum Boshier are all sidelined. Tupou Vai’i returns to captain after a recent spell out following concussion, and last week’s super-sub try-scorer Wallace Sititi has been rewarded with a starting berth.
Containing the Chiefs’ potent backline — spearheaded by Damian McKenzie and Quinn Tupaea when fit — will be crucial if the Drua are to add to their recent string of upsets. There is also an off-field subplot: Jono Gibbes leads the Chiefs while his brother Chris is an assistant with the Drua, guaranteeing plenty of friendly bragging rights between the benches. With momentum shifting in Suva and confidence high after Canberra, the Drua will be aiming to translate emotion into results as the season reaches a decisive phase.