Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
19 April, 2026, 2:18 pm
Central - 27°C Rain
IN DEPTH
19 April, 2026, 2:18 pm Central - 27°C Rain

Mataele dedicates win to the nation and the late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau's family

Mataele dedicates win to the nation and the late Ratu Epeli Nailatikau's family

By Mikaele Liga
19/04/2026

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua winger Manasa Mataele, who was named Player of the Match in their thrilling clash against the Brumbies last night, has dedicated their victory to the people of Fiji and the Nailatikau family following the passing of former President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau late last month.

The former Crusaders winger and Marist Brothers High School student scored two tries to help the Fijian Drua secure a 33–28 win.

Mataele delivered an outstanding performance, reading the game well against a strong Brumbies side that appeared to lose momentum in the first half.

He opened his account with a classic winger’s try, finishing off a cut-out pass from Isaiah Armstrong Ravula.

He later added a second after intercepting a Brumbies attack, extending the Drua’s lead and sealing an impressive team effort.

Mataele is urging fans to come out in numbers and support the Drua in Hamilton and Ba in their upcoming matches.

The Drua will face the Chiefs on Sunday at 4.30pm in Hamilton, New Zealand.

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