Fijian Drua

A statement said “For the first time, Fiji’s favourite team will host NSW Waratahs and Western Force on home soil, while top sides returning to play in front of the world’s best rugby fans include defending champions Crusaders, Hurricanes, Moana Pasifika, Queensland Reds and Melbourne Rebels.”

Venues for the Drua’s home matches will be released shortly.

 The new season will see another Super Round in week two of the competition in Melbourne.

FBC reports Ikanivere received a plaque, certificate, and $US500 US \ as the recipient of the Head Coach's Award.

He was also given the Dausoko award, for a player who reflects everything the Fijian Drua is about.

Other winners at the Drua's team awards included prop Mesake Doge, wing Selestino Ravutaumada, centre Iosefo Masi, and lock Isoa Nasilasila.

The Try of the Year was won by captain Meli Derenalagi, the Personal Development Award was given to Mesake Doge, while the Commercial Champion Award went to Simione Kuruvoli.

A total of seven tries was scored by the Drua with inform center Iosefo Masi bagging a hat-trick.

However the side needed a bonus point win as they chase a quarterfinal spot.

The game went right down to the wire with a crucial conversation that could have seen Moana win the match.

Captain Meli Derenalagi says it was a bruising encounter.

“It was a brutal match. We knew Moana Pasifika was going to be tough and we had to fight until the last minute. Hats off to the boys for holding on and we have a lot of weaknesses to work on in the next game.”

A two-match losing streak on the road has left the Force (3-7) languishing in 11th spot with just four matches remaining.

The top eight teams make the finals, and Fijian Drua (4-6) sit four points ahead of the Force in eighth place.

A Force win on Friday night would breathe life into their finals bid, but a loss could prove terminal.

The Force round out their season with games against the second-placed Brumbies (home), ninth-placed Melbourne Rebels (away), and ladder-leading Chiefs (home).

In similar fashion to their upset win over the Crusaders, reserve flyhalf Kemu Valetini kicked the winning penalty once again.

After nearly tipping over the Chiefs and Highlanders last year at home, the Drua have stepped up a gear this season.

Former All Black great Sir John Kirwan said that the success of the Drua is the ‘story of the year’.

“That is the story of the year,” Kirwan told The Breakdown panel.

“Fijian Drua, that is the story of the year.

“They have done exactly what World Rugby and Super Rugby have asked them.

Their second success in their first two years in the competition came after off-field money issues that at one point left them locked out of the restaurant at their Queensland accommodation over an unpaid bill reports Reuters.

"It hasn't been the easiest of years, we've been through so much," Drua captain Bitila Tawake said as she fought back tears, before leading her squad in the singing of the Fijian hymn "We have overcome".

The team includes players like center Jordie Barrett, one of the best openside flankers in world rugby Ardie Savea, his brother Julian, former All Blacks prop Owen Franks, Fiji-born Kini Naholo and Salesi Rayasi and Isaia Walker-Leawere who have links to Fiji.

Some players that are not part of the team to play the Drua, include All Black halfback TJ Perenara, hooker Dane Coles and big lock, Dominic Bird.

The Hurrcanes take on the Drua on Saturday at 2.05pm (Fiji Time) in Suva.

Photo Credit: FBC News 

Byrne said despite going down 30-14 to a strong Blues side in Lautoka last week, they still can crack a quarter-final spot.

He said it’s not over for the side as they have done well in just their second year.

“In our last few games we’ve got the Hurricanes here next week and then our last 4 games and I don’t know what the ladder looks at the moment. Those 4 games all those teams are fighting for a spot in the top 8 and it will be in our hands when we get to those last 4 games.”

Byrne said the Blues were a good team on the day even though they came in well prepared.

With dominance in the forward pack, at the set piece, and with relentless defence, the visitors' contained the Drua's pace and flair.

Overcoming a slow start, the Auckland side brushed aside a number of handling errors exacerbated by the hot and humid conditions to lead 20-7 at halftime.

First-five Barrett kicked a penalty to open the scoring after 25 minutes when neither side posted any points on the scoreboard.

Then Rieko Ioane opened the try-scoring for the Blues, before the Drua, supported by a vocal home crowd, hit back through No.8 Elia Canakaivata.

The Drua went down 50-17 at FMG stadium in Hamilton on a wet and soggy night on Friday in their Super Rugby Pacific match.

RNZ reports it left Mick Byrne lamenting the poor start to the game.

"Obviously the scoreboard was disappointing tonight but when we get back, we have four of our last six games at home," he said.

"We`ve building nicely through the year but the boys are going to look forward to getting on the plane tomorrow and getting home.