Four players with links to Fiji have been named in the starting 15 for the Highlanders when they take on the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in Ba in round 12 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.
Veveni Lasaqa will start at flanker, Jona Nareki returns from injury to the wing, Timoci Tavatavanawai will co-captain the side from centre, and Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens is at fullback.
Former All Black Folau Fakatava also returns from injury to start at halfback and will partner with Cameron Millar in the halves.
Tavatavanawai will be playing on familiar soil.
Born in Fiji and a former Fiji U20 representative, he understands the rhythm, intensity, and unpredictability of rugby in Fiji.
His powerful carries and defensive presence have been defining features of the Highlanders’ season, and his influence will again be crucial against a Drua side in strong form, having pushed the Chiefs in Christchurch and defeated the Brumbies in Canberra in consecutive weeks.
The Highlanders’ history in Fiji is limited but evenly split.
They have played only twice in the country in competitive fixtures, losing to the Chiefs in Suva in 2018 and defeating the Drua in 2022. A preseason match was also played in Fiji in 2010.
The Highlanders will take on the Fijian Drua at 4pm tommorrow at Four R Stadium in Ba.
In other matches this week, the Hurricanes will meet the Crusaders at 7.05 tonight, the Waratahs will face the Force at 9.35pm, Moana Pasifika will face the Blues at 7.05pm tommorow, while the Reds play the Brumbies at 9.35pm.
