Taina Basiyalo 
[Source: Fijian Drua/Facebook]
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua winger Manasa Mataele is bracing for a special and emotional night when his side takes on the Crusaders this weekend in Christchurch for round 8 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.
For Mataele, the clash marks a full circle moment as he returns to the city where his professional rugby journey began and lines up against former teammates.
“Playing against some of my mates from my former team, it really is a full circle moment for me.”
The occasion carries added significance, with the match also set to be one of the final games at Apollo Projects Stadium.
“I’ll be part of the last games there, so it’s definitely going to be one to remember.”
Mataele enjoyed a successful stint with the Crusaders, winning Super Rugby titles before making the move to the Drua. Now he is eager to make the most of his opportunity in familiar surroundings.
“The boys have been playing well the last couple of weeks, and I was hoping to get a chance to play here.”
“Now that opportunity is here, I just want to make the most of it, especially with Christchurch being like a second home to me. I want to make it a memorable one.”
Tonights’s encounter is more than just another fixture for the flying winger.
It is a personal homecoming, fuelled by reflection, gratitude and a desire to deliver for the Drua when it matters most.
The Drua meet Crusaders at 6.05 tonight and you can watch the LIVE action on FBC Sports.
