The Fijian Drua Development squad demonstrated their strength with an impressive 45-14 victory over the Australian Fiji Rugby under-20 team at Churchill Park in Lautoka last Saturday. This match marked a captivating prelude to the highly awaited 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific round one showdown, featuring the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua against Moana Pasifika.
In their away game jerseys, the Drua launched an aggressive offensive effort from the outset, with Joji Nasova scoring the first try. With the match structured into four quarters of 20 minutes each, the Drua quickly established an early edge, ending the first quarter with a score of 14-7 in their favor.
By halftime, the team’s lead had grown to 21-14, thanks to both squads finding opportunities to score. The second half was dominated by the Drua, who added another 19 points during the third quarter, ultimately sealing their victory with an impressive final score.
The Drua’s development team showcased a blend of emerging talent and experienced players, featuring 12 players from their academy along with notable contributions from senior squad members. Led by captain Harold Rounds and vice-captain Inia Tabuavou, the team exhibited exceptional skill and teamwork. Key players included Drua Academy talents Daris Khan and Jeremaia Teka, along with veteran players Philips Baselala, Vilive Miramira, Joji Nasova, and Kavaia Tagivetaua.
However, the excitement was tempered by the main match that followed, where the Fijian Drua faced a defeat against Moana Pasifika, with a final score of 26-40. Despite this loss, the stellar performance of the development squad reflects the wealth of talent emerging in Fijian rugby, offering a hopeful glimpse into the sport’s future in the region. The victory by the development team highlights the depth and potential that Fijian rugby possesses, paving the way for future successes on both domestic and international stages.