Mataiasi Stark 
Taniela Rakuro.
Fijian Drua winger Taniela “Motopai” Rakuro made a statement in Saturday’s win over the Waratahs, not with tries, but with tackles.
The 24-year-old Vusama, Nadroga native, recorded 8 tackles, the most in the match, an impressive feat for a winger, underlining his work ethic and hunger to secure his place in the side.
Rakuro’s rise from amateur provincial rugby to the professional level continues to shine in a Drua jersey.
“My thoughts on my game against the Waratahs and being the top tackler for the Drua — I worked really hard,” Rakuro. As we all know, there’s a lot of competition on the wing. We have top wingers that have represented our national side like Ponipate Loganimasi, Selestino Ravutaumada, and Vuate Karawalevu, so I worked really hard to make my way back into the squad as I have missed a lot of games.”
Having joined the Drua in 2023, Rakuro credited his progression to persistence and dedication.
“I came straight from the provincial level as an amateur rugby player into a professional setup like the Drua, and that was all due to my hard work too. For the game against Waratahs, I gave my all as I want to hold down that winger jersey.”
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will face Moana Pasifika in round 11 of the 2025 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.
The match will kick off at 4.35pm and will air LIVE on FBC Sports.
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