Lomani is expected to make his return against the Rebels on Saturday while Koroiduadua played in the win over the Reds and against the Highlanders.
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua winger Selestino Ravutaumada during their warm up before facing
Highlanders in Dunedin on May 26, 2024. Photo: Fijian Drua
Despite the 39-3 thrashing at the hands of the Highlanders yesterday, the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has maintained their eighth spot on the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific points table.
It will be all down to the final round where the Drua takes on Melbourne Rebels at Lautoka’s Churchill Park on Saturday.
Finishing in the top eight enables the Drua to play in the playoffs for the second time since making their Super Rugby debut in 2022.
Drua stand-in captain, Tevita Ikanivere, said they must improve on their rucks before they take on the Rebels.
“We must win against the Rebels,” he said.
In their earlier clash in April, the Rebels walloped the Drua 41-20 in an ill-tempered match at the AAMI Park in Melbourne. The Drua played with 13-men after halfback Frank Lomani and Jone Koroiduadua were red carded.
Lomani is expected to make his return against the Rebels on Saturday while Koroiduadua played in the win over the Reds and against the Highlanders.
Rebels on Saturday while Koroiduadua played in the win over the Reds and against the Highlanders.
The Rebels are on seventh spot and like the Drua they suffered a big 53-17 loss to the Brumbies in Canberra last Friday night.
Rebels coach Kevin Foote and his charges will be desperate to turn their performances around (against the Drua) and treat their long-suffering fans to a fairytale finals run before the club faces possible oblivion at season’s end.
“It’s not like we’re miles off,” Foote said.
“It’s just … the consistency of performance for 80 minutes. This is finals rugby now with the big boys, so this is crucial for us.”
Also chasing for a spot in the playoffs is defending champions Crusaders who had upset Blues 29-27 on Saturday night.
The Crusaders host Moana Pasifika on Friday where they need to score a bonus point win and hope that Drua goes down to the Rebels. The Tana Umagacoached Moana Pasifika also has a similar chance.
Also on the verge of qualifying is ninth placed Western Force who hosts the Brumbies on Saturday.
The match kicks-off at 2.05pm.
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