Christchurch’s One NZ Stadium burst into Super Round action on Friday with the Crusaders v Waratahs fixture, and the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua arrive in Canterbury riding fresh momentum after ending a long-standing away drought.
The Drua overturned a three-season away-game hoodoo last Saturday in Canberra, edging the Brumbies 33-28 in a thriller that marked their first road victory since they began competing in the competition. The result not only handed the visitors a morale-boosting win over a formidable opposition but also removed an “elusive badge of prestige” that had been missing for the club across successive campaigns.
Now based in Christchurch for the Super Round — which is hosting all Super Rugby Pacific teams this weekend except the Queensland Reds who have the bye — the Fijian side will take that confidence across to New Zealand’s South Island for a meeting with the Chiefs. The two teams previously met only in pre-season, at Mount Maunganui near Tauranga late in January, making this the first competitive rematch of the year.
“ The boys are in good spirits; we’re excited,” Jackson told reporters earlier this week. “Now that Frank (Lomani) and Temo (Mayanavanua) are back, we’ve got a solid outfit that’s going to turn up and give it a good crack.” Both Frank Lomani and Temo Mayanavanua have returned to selection after missing earlier rounds through injury, a development that the coaching staff and players say strengthens the Drua’s depth and on-field leadership.
During Lomani and Mayanavanua’s time on the sidelines, Isoa Nasilasila and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre stepped up to share captaincy duties, serving as co-captains and vice-captains respectively. Their leadership was credited with helping the side remain competitive and cohesive during the challenging run of away fixtures that preceded the Brumbies win.
The return of experienced campaigners Lomani and Mayanavanua, coupled with the Canberra breakthrough, gives the Drua a clearer selection picture and renewed belief heading into a tight Super Rugby Pacific schedule. With several teams concentrated in Christchurch for the Super Round and the side now travelling to face a Chiefs outfit determined to defend home (or in this case, island) pride, the coming matches will be an early indicator of how the Drua might fare across the rest of the campaign.
For Drua fans and neutral observers alike, the immediate questions are whether the team can convert last week’s momentum into consistent away performances and how quickly the returning pair reintegrate into the starting XV. The Chiefs clash offers a timely test.