Fijian Drua vs Moana Pasifika Prediction: Home comforts can help Fijians make a flying start

Moana Pasifika finished the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific seventh in the standings, but Ardie Savea carried them at times, and they can no longer count on the superstar All Black back-rower. Savea is taking a sabbatical in Japan with Kobelco Kobe Steelers and his former side begins 2026 away in Fiji against the Drua.

Eventually placing 10th, level on 20 points with bottom club Highlanders, all four of the Drua's wins last year came in Lautoka and they have also won all three previous meetings between these teams played at Churchill Park. Read on for my Fijian Drua vs Moana Pasifika predictions.

Fijian Drua vs Moana Pasifika Odds

The Drua are 1/3 to win at home, with a tie 25/1 and Moana 5/2 on the road.

The visitors are given a 10-point start on the handicap at 10/11.

Team News

The Drua hand debuts to lock Temo Mayanavanua, who co-captains the side, wing Manasa Mataele, centre Virimi Vakatawa and scrum-half Issak Fines-Leleiwasa.

Mayanavanua's fellow co-captain, scrum-half Frank Lomani, is on the bench,

Full-back William Haviili becomes the first Moana player to make 50 appearances for the club, while the team is captained for the first time by blindside flanker Miracle Faiilagi.

There is also a debut for former All Black centre Ngani Laumape, who forms a powerful midfield partnership alongside Lalomilo Lalomilo.

Fijian Drua by 1-12 points inclusive @ 21/10

The Drua could only finish 10th in 2025, but have added some quality signings who shouldn't take time to settle.

It is also worth noting that their four wins last year all came at home, including a 28-24 success over the team that topped the log before losing the Grand Final, the Chiefs.

Moana have won two of the last three meetings, but the Fijians have triumphed on each of the three occasions the pair have clashed at Churchill Park.

The dynamism in both teams suggests they will go toe-to-toe, but the Drua know their conditions and can claim an opening victory.

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