Former Fiji U20 halfback Philip Baselala will begin a Super Rugby Pacific match for the primary time this weekend when the Fijian Drua tackle the Western Force at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.
With the 12th positioned Drua out of the playoff race, the Fijians need to give their passionate followers one thing to cheer about within the workforce’s last dwelling match of the 2025 season.
Coach Glen Jackson has named a stable squad to tackle the Drive, who will make the long-haul trek from Perth to Pauktoka for the Spherical 14 conflict. Baselala is the story of the week, named to start out after making six earlier appearances off the bench over two seasons.
Baselala represented Fiji at last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship in South Africa, starting at halfback in four of five appearances. In the other match against Argentine, Baselala moved to fly-half, but the Fijians went down 43-22 at Danie Craven Stadium.
Baselala will partner Kemu Valetini in the halves this weekend, while Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula while Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula will line up at fullback. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Iosefo Masi are the centre pairing, while Taniel Rakuro and Ponpate Loganimasi are the wingers.
In the forwards, coach Jackson has named a star-studded front-row again that consists of Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere who is back in the starting side this week, and loosehead prop Samuela Tawake.
Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila round out the tight five as the two locks. The backrow is made up of Etonia Waqa, who is back from injury, Isoa Tuwai at openside flanker, and Elia Canakaivata who starts at No. 8.
Peni Ravai, Mesake Doge and Selestino Ravutaumada are among those more established players named on the bench, looking to make their mark on the contest when coach Jackson calls their name.
On the injury front, Frank Lomani and Caleb Muntz are both still out with injury. Lomani and Muntz join six others in the injury ward, those being Zuriel Togiatama, Motikiai Murray, Ilaisa Droasese, Epeli Momo, Meil Derenalagi and Vilive Miramra.
The Drua are looking to extend their winning streak at Churchill Park to 10 matches.
This fixture will kick off at 3:35 pm FJT on Saturday.
Fijian Drua to take on Western Force
- Haereiti Hetet
- Tevita Ikanivere (c)
- Samuela Tawake
- Mesake Vocevoce
- Isoa Nasilasila
- Etonia Waqa
- Isoa Tuwai
- Elia Canakaivata
- Philip Baselala
- Kemu Valetini
- Taniela Rakuro
- Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
- losefo Masi
- Ponipate Loganimasi
- Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
Replacements
- Mesulame Dolokoto
- Peni Ravai
- Mesake Doge
- Leone Rotuisolia
- Kitione Salawa
- Leone Nawai
- Inia Tabuavou
- Selestino Ravutaumada
