Latest news with #MesakeDoge
CNA
10-07-2025
- Sport
- CNA
Two changes for Fiji as they expect physical challenge from Scots
Fiji have kept all but two of the starters from last weekend's narrow loss to Australia for their test against Scotland in Suva, the country's rugby union said on Thursday. Sireli Maqala has been promoted from the bench to replace Iosefo Masi at centre while Mesake Doge takes over from veteran prop Peni Ravai, who picked up an elbow injury in the 21-18 loss to the Wallabies at Newcastle. Fiji coach Mick Byrne had said this week he faced a selection dilemma with many options to choose from ahead of Saturday's game. 'It's a great problem to have,' he told reporters. He said they were determined to bounce back after their loss to the Wallabies. 'We missed a couple of lineouts early; the boys took it personally and spent a good amount of time looking at that. So, we'll work through those.' Byrne expects a tough test against Scotland, who edged the Maori All Blacks 29-26 in New Zealand last weekend. 'They're going to bring real physicality into our game,' he said. Team: 15-Salesi Rayasi, 14-Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13-Sireli Maqala, 12-Josua Tuisova, 11-Jiuta Wainiqolo, 10-Caleb Muntz, 9-Simione Kuruvoli, 8-Bill Mata, 7-Elia Canakaivata, 6-Lekima Tagitagivalu, 5-Temo Mayanavanua, 4-Isoa Nasilasila, 3-Mesake Doge, 2-Tevita Ikanivere (capt), 1-Eroni Mawi
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fijian Drua grieve death of Castres winger Raisuqe
Fijian Drua players were deeply affected by the death of former Fiji international Josaia Raisuqe, its captain and coach said, contributing to their defeat to the Auckland Blues and ending their Super Rugby play-off hopes. The last-placed Drua were beaten 34-5 by the defending champions in Suva on Friday, a ninth loss from 12 matches leaving them with no chance of qualifying for next month's top-six finals. The match kicked off just hours after the Drua players learned of the death of France-based Raisuqe, who helped his country win Olympic rugby sevens silver in Paris last year. The 30-year-old died after his car was hit by a train on Thursday, his Top 14 club Castres Olympique said. Drua captain Mesake Doge said it was "gut-wrenching" for his players, many of whom knew Raisuqe. "Our feelings are for his family, especially with Josaia being away from home," Doge told Sky Sport on Friday. "I know the boys are feeling it for one of our brothers. It was a bit gut-wrenching for us this morning." Drua coach Glen Jackson said the "tragic loss" of Raisuqe contributed towards a modest performance from his team. "With so much on the line it is obviously an upsetting performance for the boys and for everyone watching," New Zealander Jackson said. "I know how much effort they put in to try and make everyone in this country proud." Jackson said brighter news for his team was this week's signing of Fijian international lock Temo Mayanavanua on a two-season deal beginning next year. Mayanavanua has been a key figure for English club Northampton Saints, who are contesting this month's European Champions Cup final against French side Bordeaux Begles. "Someone like Temo brings a lot of experience, especially from the UK, around lineouts and what it means to be professional," Jackson said. "I believe in a year, in two years, with the right people in the building, we're going to be a quality team." dgi/dhc
RNZ News
09-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Rugby: Drua sunk at home as Blues dominate
Selestino Ravutaumada of Fijian Drua in a previous match. Photo: Joel Carrett / Fullback Selesitioni Ravutaumada saved face for the Fijian Drua at home on Friday night. The fans made their statement on the grandstand and embankment, Suva's National Stadium only half-filled, as the Blues of Auckland thumped the Drua 34-5 on a wet and cold Laucala evening. Ravutaumada scored a try in the final stages of the Super Rugby Pacific clash, as the home side scrapped home to break the egg in front of their disappointed fans. On the other hand, the defending champions were too clinical and powerful in their display. The Blues jumped to fifth spot in the standings, and showed glimpses of their 2024 form, which gave them the title at Eden Park in last year's final. Drua captain Mesake Doge said they just could not get their act together. "It was disappointing for us and I know the boys are feeling it," were his first words, reacting to the loss. "Especially here at home, in front of our home crowd. The Blues came out fighting and were better tonight." The loss meant any hopes of a Drua fightback to secure top six were over, buried in the Laucala mud. The Fijians only have two more matches in the regular season. They host the Western Force next weekend, before travelling to take on the Reds in Brisbane the week after. There were hopes of a home victory following the team's win over the Reds at the same venue the weekend earlier. It was hoped the victory would have been a Mother's Day gift for Fiji's mums, as the country celebrates the special day on Sunday. Unfortunately the Blues had other plans, getting to work early through flyhalf Beauden Barrett. The night also saw the return to form of the Blues' Fijian heritage player, Hoskins Sotutu. Son of former Flying Fijians, Waisake - the number eight - displayed a performance that signalled he was slowly returning to the form that saw him dominate the 2024 season. The 26-year-old was in almost all phases of the visitors' game, making line breaks, stealing possession in the breakdown, assisting with tries and steady in the D-line. He finished the night with 10 carries and 10 tackles, without a miss. The Blues now prepare for Moana Pasifika at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday night, while the Drua will host the Force in Lautoka next weekend. Meanwhile in another clash on Friday night, the Reds consolidated their spot at the top, sitting comfortably in fourth position after a good win over the Waratahs in Sydney. The Queensland Reds managed to end the Waratahs' home ground winning streak with a 28-21 victory. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
