Two players from the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua, Joseva Tamani and Manasa Mataele, will find themselves on opposing teams this weekend as Otago faces Canterbury in a fierce showdown for Bunnings NPC championship glory in an all-South Island final. Tamani is poised to make an impact off the bench for Otago as a lock, while Mataele will be starting as a right winger for Canterbury.
Tamani reflects on Otago’s impressive journey to the final, stating, “At the start of the season, I didn’t know how the team would go, but every week we’ve grown together. Being in the final means our hard work has paid off, but the job is not done yet.” He expressed gratitude for the support from the local fans and excitement about reuniting with Mataele in the Drua next season.
Both teams showcased their strength in the semifinals, with Otago dominating Bay of Plenty 41–17 and Canterbury achieving a solid 43–19 victory over Hawke’s Bay. For Mataele, who is set to join the Drua for the 2026 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season, this match holds significant importance. He expressed enthusiasm about playing in front of the home crowd and acknowledges the challenge of facing his fellow Fijian teammate Tamani.
Historically, Canterbury has a dominant presence in the NPC, having secured the title nine times since the competition’s revamp in 2006, whereas Otago is chasing its first championship in this modern era. Glen Jackson, the head coach of Fijian Drua, shared his pride in having two of his players competing in such a well-regarded rugby rivalry. He hopes both players enjoy the occasion and come away injury-free, highlighting the significance of this match in their respective journeys.
This final is not only a clash for the championship but also a celebration of the players’ growth and resilience, serving as a prelude to their future endeavors with the Drua. Fans are eager for a thrilling display of talented rugby as both teams look to leave their mark on this major event in New Zealand rugby history. The match is set to kick off at 3:05 PM this Saturday at Apollo Projects Stadium in Christchurch.