Half century for Salawa

It is a half century for Drua flanker Kitione Salawa this Saturday as he secures his Number 7 spot against Western Force in Perth in their second last match of 2026 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

Head coach Glen Jackson yester-day named his 23-member Swire Shipping Fijian Drua squad, he’s still in the hunt for a top-six play-off spot after a difficult 50-35 loss to the NSW Waratahs at HFC Bank Stadium in Suva last weekend.

Salawa’s 50th appearance comes at a defining stage as the dynamic flanker continues to establish himself as one of the side’s most influential players throughout the 2026 campaign.

He has already claimed the fan-voted Player of the Match award twice this season.

His relentless defense, physical ball carries, and high-energy style of play, is key to Drua’s attempt to keep their finals hopes alive.

The last time the two sides met, Drua won 24-22 at Churchill Park in Lautoka on April 11. However, Saturday’s rematch in Perth shapes as an even tougher challenge with the season nearing its conclusion.

To remain in playoff contention, Drua need to win all of their remaining regular season matches with bonus points, beginning with the Force this weekend before another crucial away clash against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.

The Fijian side will also rely heavily on favourable results elsewhere, with mid-table rivals such as the Highlanders, Western Force, Waratahs, and Reds needing to drop matches in the closing rounds to help close the points gap.

Despite the pressure, Jackson has named an explosive and talent-stacked squad capable of producing Drua’s trademark attacking rugby.

One of the major boosts is the return of powerhouse prop Meli Tuni, who will make his highly anticipated 2026 season debut after being named to start at loose-head prop.

Tuni adds extra strength to the front row alongside hooker Zuriel Togiatama and tighthead prop Samuela Tawake.

Salawa forms part of a dangerous loose forward combination with number eight Isoa Tuwai, while captain Temo Mayanavanua leads the side from the second row.

Jackson has also opted for tactical flexibility by naming regular starting flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula on the bench alongside re-turning halfback Simione Kuruvoli.

Kuruvoli returns to the match-day 23 for just his fourth appearance so far this season after last

featuring on April 26, providing valuable experience and attacking spark later in the match.

That decision gives Kemu Valetini the responsibility of directing play at flyhalf from kickoff alongside lively scrumhalf Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa.

Out wide, the Drua possesses plenty of firepower with Manasa Mataele and Taniela Rakuro named on the wings, while Isikeli Rabitu controls the backfield at fullback.

The midfield pairing of Virimi Vakatawa and Maika Tuitubou adds further power and experience as the Drua prepares for a highstakes showdown in Perth.

With their playoff hopes hanging by a thread, the Drua will look to rally around Salawa’s milestone moment and produce a performance capable of reigniting their top-six ambition.