Two players have been handed the chance to make their Super Rugby Pacific debuts for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua this weekend after being named in the matchday 23 to host the Brumbies in Ba. Head coach Glen Jackson confirmed development hooker Sairusi Ravudi and former Fiji Sevens representative Iosefo Namoce could both earn their first caps when the sides meet at 4R Electrical Govind Park on Saturday.
Jackson said the selections underline the growing depth within the Drua squad and called Ravudi’s potential introduction an “exciting” step for the young front‑rower. “Young Sairusi will come in for a debut which will be exciting,” Jackson said, before highlighting Namoce’s varied pathway into the 23. “Sefo will be great. He’s played a little bit of club footy in Canberra and obviously played for Fiji Sevens, so to have him as a debut, hopefully off the bench, will be exciting for him.”
The match is the latest round of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific and will be broadcast live on FBC Sports via the walesi set‑top box. Jackson expects the contest to be won up front and around the breakdown, areas where the Brumbies have traditionally been strong and where the Drua believe they can make the difference.
Jackson named a front row of Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama and Mesake Doge, with Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila paired in the second row. The loose‑forward trio will be Etonia Waqa, Motikiai Murray and Elia Canakaivata. In the halves, Frank Lomani and Isaiah Armstrong‑Ravula will combine, while Ponipate Loganimasi and Joji Nasova start on the wings, Isikeli Rabitu and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre occupy the midfield and Ilaisa Droasese will take the fullback role.
The inclusion of Ravudi, a development hooker, and Namoce, whose background includes club rugby in Canberra and international sevens, signals the Drua’s intent to blood local and rep‑sevens talent as the season unfolds. Both players are expected to be used from the bench, giving Jackson options to influence the set pieces and breakdowns as the game develops.
Jackson also paid tribute to an opponent milestone, acknowledging Brumbies loose forward Rob Valetini is set to play his 100th Super Rugby match this weekend — a reminder of the experience the Drua will face. With home advantage in Ba and fresh faces pushing for minutes, the Drua will be aiming to convert selection opportunities into on‑field impact as the Super Rugby Pacific campaign progresses.
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