Karawalevu & Loganimasi return for the Drua

February 26, 2025
165
Ultimate Rugby

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson is keeping his squad fresh in the opening rounds of 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific, with 10 changes to the matchday 23 this week to face the Waratahs. Following a long trip back from Napier, New Zealand with only a six-day turnaround, the Round 3 squad features a number of players who pushed the Brumbies all the way two weeks ago. Also returning to the squad is Etonia Waqa, who returns to the matchday squad after a long injury spell.

Head Coach Glen Jackson has retained both his centres from last round, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Inia Tabuavou.

In the starting 15, prop Haereiti Hetet (1) is back at loosehead prop, with Samuela Tawake (3) at tighthead and Captain Tevita Ikanivere (2) at hooker.

In the middle row, Isoa Nasilasila (4) partners Leone Rotuisolia (5). Joseva Tamani (6) is back at blindside flanker with Motikiai Murray (7) retaining his place at openside. Meli Derenalagi (8) starts as number 8 loose forward.

In the backline, Simione Kuruvoli (9) starts the match at halfback, partnering Caleb Muntz (10) who is at flyhalf. The dynamic wing duo of Vuate Karawalevu (11) and Ponipate Loganimasi (14) return to the left and right flanks respectively. After an impressive debut last week, Iniai Tabuavou (12) retains his spot at inside centre along side the versatile Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (13) at outside centre. Ilaisa Droasese (15) completes the starting line-up at fullback.

For bench impact this week, Jackson has selected Mesulame Dolokoto (16) as backup hooker, Livai Natave (17) at loosehead and Mesake Doge (18) covering the tighthead prop position. Second rower Etonia Waqa will cover for the locks, and Kitione Salawa (20) backs up the loose forward trio. Peni Matawalu (21) cover at halfback with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (22) covering flyhalf. Kemu Valetini (23) completes matchday squad as backline utility.

WALESI WOW FACTS

· Co-captain Tevita Ikanivere is the first to cross 40 Fijian Drua appearances in Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific. He will run out for 41st appearance against the Waratahs. Following closely behind is halfback Peni Matawalu, who will make 40th appearance this week.

· Tevita Ikanivere has scored a try in each of his last three Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific games against the NSW Waratahs; in fact, no player has scored in more than three different iterations of this fixture.

· Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula is just 5 points away from becoming the Fijian Drua’s highest ever points scorer, a record currently held by Teti Tela.