Drua take Super Rugby Paciifc to Ba for Brumbies clash

Fijian Drua v Brumbies

Kick:off: 4:35pm NZ time Saturday 14 March

Venue: Four R Stadium, Ba

The Fijian Drua will play their first game on their third home ground, the 4R Stadium in Ba, when they host the Brumbies on Saturday.

Fresh off a bye week, the Drua signalled their intent to make a statement in Ba by holding their first-ever open training session there on Tuesday, drawing a massive crowd of local supporters.

Ba, a town in the Western Division renowned for its football success locally, is the Drua's third home ground now.

Drua CEO Jeff Miller said the support shown by fans has boosted team spirit ahead of the game.

"It is a very exciting day. We've been looking forward to it for some time now," he told Fiji media on Tuesday.

"Great stadium, it's good to train on the field today. It's great to see everyone come out and support the Drua."

Head coach Glen Jackson has named a strong lineup led by captain Frank Lomani, and featuring hometown favourites Joji Nasova and Isoa Tuwai.

Jackson has kept a consistent tight five, retaining the frontrow trio of Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, and Mesake Doge, and the locking duo of Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila.

Winger Ponipate Loganimaso returns to the team following his recovery from an injury.

But there is no place for former French international Virimi Vakatawa.

Super Rugby Pacific leaders Brumbies are heading to Ba with their first loss behind them, after they were beaten by Reds at home last weekend.

Fijian heritage player Rob Valetini has been named in the starting lineup for his 100th Super Rugby game for the club.

Fijian Drua: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Mesake Vocevoce, 5. Isoa Nasilasila, 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Motikiai Murray, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Frank Lomani (captain), 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Ponipate Loganimasi, 12. Isikeli Rabitu, 13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14. Joji Nasova, 15. Iliasia Droasese

Bench: 16. Sairusi Ravudi, 17. Emosi Tuqiri, 18. Peni Ravai, 19. Vilive Miramira, 20. Kitione Salawa, 21. Isoa Tuwai, 22. Isaak Fines-Leleiwasa, 23. Iosefo Namoce

Brumbies: 1. Lington Ieli, 2. Billy Pollard, 3. Darcy Breen, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Toby Macpherson, 6. Tuaina Taii Tualima, 7. Luke Reimer, 8. Rob Valetini, 9. Klayton Thorn, 10. Tane Edmed, 11. Kye Oates, 12. David Feliuai, 13. Kadin Pritchard, 14. Corey Toole, 15. Andy Muirhead (captain)

Bench: 16. Liam Bowrn, 17. Blake Schoupp, 18. Tevita Alatini, 19. Lachie Shaw, 20. Rory Scott, 21. Ryan Lonergan, 22. Declan Meredith, 23. Hudson Creighton