Drua chase first Eden Park win in historic Blues showdown

The Fijian Drua are set to take on the Blues at Eden Park in round seven of Super Rugby Pacific, chasing a first-ever win at the iconic Auckland venue.

Last weekend, the Drua were looking to build on back‑to‑back home wins against the Queensland Reds, but failed to secure a hat‑trick of victories at Churchill Park, losing 21-6.

Captain Frank Lomani says the squad is focused on moving past last week’s disappointment.

“Yeah, the boys are excited," he told PMN News. "We had a really good week. We spoke about moving on from the game last week.

"It was disappointing, but we have another big opportunity here in Auckland, in Eden Park, which is more special. We’ve never won here, so that is the bigger challenge,” Lomani said.

The Blues have been hitting their stride this season, and Lomani says the Drua have a clear game plan.

The Drua are in Auckland for their historic clash with the Blues at Eden Park tomorrow. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga/file

“We have a plan. We know the Blues, they play tight, they're good physically, and they have a big pack. So moving them around the field is one of the things we've spoken about this week,” he said.

Saturday’s clash carries the added significance of the Joeli Vidiri Trophy, honouring the late Fiji-born Auckland and All Blacks winger whose legacy left a lasting mark on Fiji and New Zealand rugby.

Lomani reflected on the broader influence of Fijian rugby legends. “Not in my time, I don't think. He was the MVP in 1996, and that's when I was born.

Tomorrow’s clash sees both teams compete for the Joeli Vidiri Trophy, honouring the late Fiji-born All Blacks and Auckland legend whose legacy still inspires Pacific rugby. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

"I was privileged that I was able to go to Counties Manukau club, and I could see he was big here in New Zealand. I could see photos of him and Jonah Lomu side by side everywhere, so I knew he was the real MVP here.”

The Drua will welcome experienced front-rower Masivesi Dakuwaqa back into the lineup.

Lomani said his presence is vital. “Experience. It's good to have Masu back, someone who's been around the foundation, and we're looking forward to his leadership in the front rows and forwards. Good to have Masu back.”

Kemu Valetini returns at flyhalf, Iosefo Namoce earns his first-ever start at inside centre, Epeli Momo starts on the right wing, while experienced hooker Mesulame Dolokoto makes his first appearance of 2026 after injury.

For the Blues, Sam Darry captains the side, Torian Barnes starts with no Dalton Papali’i (back), Taufa Funaki partners Beauden Barrett in the halves, while Payton Spencer makes his debut start with Cole Forbes on the wing (no Zarn Sullivan due to concussion).

For the record, the Blues have never lost to the Fijian Drua, scoring between 30 and 36 points in each of their five wins. The Blues have won six of their last seven games at Eden Park, holding opponents under 20 points in each match.

The Blues are set to defend home turf against the Fijian Drua. Photo/Photosport/Clay Cross

The Drua are aiming for consecutive wins against New Zealand teams in Super Rugby for the first time since round 14, 2013.

A key match-up is between AJ Lam and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre. Lam is arguably the form centre of Super Rugby Pacific, with the Blues’ midfield on fire in recent weeks.

He has four tries in his last four games and has been pivotal in their purple patch of form.

Samusamuvodre and the Drua face a tough challenge shutting him down, while the Nadi-born centre will look to make his own mark on the game.

The sunny Auckland weather may also give the Drua an edge, Lomani suggested. “It's good to have something similar to Nadi and Lautoka. Hopefully, it stays the same for tomorrow, whether he's going to be on our side or not.”

And off the field, Lomani keeps it simple when asked about his favourite Fijian dish. “Man, lovo. That's it,” he said.

Saturday night’s game offers the Drua a chance not only to break their Eden Park hoodoo but also to honour Fijian rugby legends while showcasing their growing cohesion and depth as the Super Rugby Pacific season progresses.

The Fijian Drua-Blues match is at Eden Park, Saturday 28 March 2026, kicks off at 7.05pm (NZT). Referee: Reuben Keane. Assistant refs: Nic Berry, Jordan Way. TMO: Brett Cronin. For more on Super Rugby Pacific, click here.

Teams

DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Mesake Vocevoce, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani (c), Kemu Valetini, Ponipate Loganimasi, Iosefo Namoce, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Epeli Momo, Iliasia Droasese. Replacements: Mesulame Dolokolo, Emosi Tuqiri, Peni Ravai, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Tuwai, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Virimi Vakatawa

BLUES (1-15): Ofa Tu'ungafasi, Bradley Slater, Marcel Renata, Josh Beehre, Sam Darry (c), Torian Barnes, Anton Segner, Malachi Wrampling, Taufa Funaki, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Pita Akhi, AJ Lam, Cole Forbes, Payton Spencer. Replacements: James Mullan, Mason Tupaea, Sam Matenga, Che Clark, Jed Melvin, Finlay Christie, Xaci Taele, Codemeru Vai