Super Rugby: Moana and Drua turn to fresh faces to break winless runs in round nine

Moana Pasifika and Fijian Drua are searching for answers this weekend and both are turning to fresh faces and key changes to snap their winless runs in round nine of the Super Rugby Pacific.

Both sides are in action on Saturday, with Moana leaning on experience and the Drua backing their next wave of local talent to shift momentum.

Veteran Jimmy Tupou headlines Moana’s inclusions and is set to make his club debut off the bench against his former side, the Chiefs.

The 33-year-old brings plenty of experience, with previous stints at the Chiefs, Blues, and Crusaders, as well as time in Japan with Urayasu D-Rocks.

Since debuting in Super Rugby in 2013, Tupou’s presence is expected to add composure and physicality especially against a Chiefs side boasting a lineout success rate above 90 per cent.

Moana will also need to lift defensively. The Chiefs lead the competition with 64 clean breaks and stopping that attacking threat will be key if Fa’alogo Tana Umaga’s men are to stay in the contest.

For the Drua, 21-year-old Isikeli Basiyalo earns his first cap on the right wing against the Force at home, with head coach Glen Jackson backing the homegrown prospect.

Basiyalo, a product of Fiji Schools, the Under-20s, and the Drua system, represents the next generation coming through.

His inclusion fits the Drua’s quick, off-loading style, which has consistently troubled opponents, and contributed to their dominance in overall line breaks against the Force.

Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson. Photo/Joshue Devenie/Photosport

Basiyalo joins a growing group of players making the switch from sevens alongside Ponipate Loganimase and Jioji Nasova, when he featured on the 2025 Hong Kong Sevens circuit.

The Drua have made four changes after their 69-26 thumping to the Crusaders, with Motikiai Murray moving into the starting side at blindside flanker, Ilaisa Droasese shifting to the wing, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre coming into midfield, and Isikeli Rabitu slotting in at fullback.

Back in Aotearoa, Moana will also have extra motivation with Semisi Paea returning home to Rotorua after eight years.

“There is no greater feeling than hearing your name get called in the squad to play in the city that raised you,” Paea said in a media statement. “This is a dream come true and I’m looking forward to representing my family and this franchise in my hometown.”

It also marks the return of Super Rugby to Rotorua for the first time in eight years, adding another layer of significance for the home side.

With both teams under pressure and looking to climb the ladder, this weekend’s matches offer a chance to reset whether through experience, youth, or a mix of both. For more information on the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific Championship click here.

Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs

Location: Rotorua International Stadium

Kick-off: Saturday 11 April, 2.05pm (NZT)

Teams:

Moana Pasifika: Malakai Hala-Ngatai, Millennium Sanerivi, Paula Latu, Tom Savage, Veikoso Poloniati, Miracle Faiilagi ©, Niko Jones, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Augustine Pulu, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Glen Vaihu, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Tevita Latu, Solomon Alaimalo, William Havili, Impact: Samiuela Moli, Abraham Pole, Atu Moli, Jimmy Tupou*, Semisi Paea, Melani Matavao, Patrick Pellegrini, Tyler Pulini

Chiefs: Ollie Norris, Tyrone Thompson, Reuben O’Neill, Seuseu Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Tupou Vaa’i, Samipeni Finau, Jahrome Brown, Simon Parker, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Kyren Taumoefolau, Quinn Tupaea, Kyle Brown, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Impact: Brodie McAlister, Jared Proffit, Sione Ahio, Fiti Sa, Luke Jacobson, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Josh Jacomb, Reon Paul

Fijian Drua vs Western Force

Location: Churchill Park, Lautoka

Kick-off: Saturday 11 April, 4.35pm (NZT)

Teams:

Drua: Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Joseva Tamani, Etonia Waqa, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Ilaisa Droasese, Iosefo Namoce, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Isikeli Basiyalo, Isikeli Rabitu, Impact: Mesulame Dolokoto, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Kitione Salawa, Vilive Miramira, Simione Kuruvoli, Manasa Mataele

Force: Sef Fa’agese, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, Misinale Epenisa, Franco Molina, Jeremy Williams, Nick De Crespigny, Jack Daly, Vaiolini Ekuasi, Henry Robertson, Ben Donaldson, Dylan Pietsch, Bayley Kuenzle, Hamish Stewart, George Bridge, Mac Grealy, Impact: Nic Dolly, Marley Pearce, Harry Johnson-Holmes, Lopeti Faifua, Will Harris, Agustin Moyano, Kurtley Beale, Zac Lomax