Fijian Drua players impress rugby pundits
THE Swire Shipping Fijian Drua side is in its second season in Super Rugby, and they are adapting to expectations.
After winning two out of 11 matches last season, the boys made a flying start against the Moana Pasifika, making a grand comeback.
Trailing 34-31, the boys played their hearts out, and Taniela Rakuro scored the winning try. As the season progresses, the following players will play a huge role:
Taniela Rakuro
Rookie winger Taniela Rakuro was the hero of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua team when he came off the bench to score the winning try in the 77th minute to beat the Moana Pasifika.
Winger turned fullback Selesitino Ravutaumada took on the opposition defence and offloaded to Rakuro, and the 22-year-old winger broke inside and slipped a few metres from the try-line, but he kept his composure and dived to the corner to seal the win.
Rakuro was solid in defence and the try against the Moana will give him a lot of confidence going forward into the Shop N Save 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Nadroga flyer was too hot to handle during the provincial rugby competition and he proved his selection as he was fasttracked into the system.
He was in the academy program, but injuries gave him the break and he did not let the team management down.
He showed fans why his teammates nicknamed him ‘Motopai’.
Iosefo Masi
Rugby League convert Iosefo Masi impressed many with his debut performance against the Melbourne Rebels in the Shop N Save Fijian Drua pre-season trial match at Prince Charles Park.
He signed up with the Drua after a short stint with Australia’s NRL club North Queensland. Masi, a member of the men’s 7s team that won gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games and recently the RWC 7s, put on a courageous performance.
He was strong in defence and made strong carries throughout the match versus the Moana Pasifika. He scored two breathtaking tries and does his talking on the field. He is good at off-loads and is a team-player.
He is always in support and is not scared to take the opposition head on.
Tevita Ikanivere
Former Suva rugby star Tevita Ikanivere led by example in the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s comeback win.
He was our top performer in Auckland and received the Player of the Match award after the 36-34 win over the Moana Pasifika in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific opener.
The emotional hooker led by example by scoring two tries during the crucial stages of the match.
He barked instructions and played like a fearless warrior.
He inspired the boys, who trailed the Drua, and his leadership is valuable.
He previously represented the Drua in the 2019 National Rugby Championship, and is a Fiji international, having made his debut against Georgia in 2020. His try against the Moana brought fans to their feet.
Selesitino Ravutaumada
Selestino Ravutaumada’s preferred position is wing or fullback. He made his debut for the Drua in round one of the 2022 Super Rugby Pacific season against the Waratahs.
He became an important member of the Drua team last year, and has continued with his trademark this year.
He is bold and does not mind playing a high tempo match.
Ravutaumada has sacrificed a lot to wear the Drua jersey, and he gives everything he has got.
He has speed to burn, and makes the opposition feel the weight of his tackles.
Rajnesh Lingam is a regular contributor to this newspaper and the views expressed in this article are his and not of