LAUTOKA, 28 February 2026 – The Fijian Drua return to their fortress at Churchill Park today to host the unbeaten Hurricanes in a pivotal Round 3 Super Rugby Pacific clash. Kick-off is scheduled for this afternoon as the Drua look to bounce back from a difficult start to the 2026 season, while the Hurricanes aim to maintain their perfect record on the road.
Match Preview: Heat and Hype in Lautoka
The Hurricanes arrive in Fiji following a dominant start to the season, including a 52–10 victory over Moana Pasifika in the opening round. Head coach Clark Laidlaw has named a strong side to handle the unique challenges of playing in the Pacific, making key changes to the matchday squad to manage the tropical conditions. Pouri Rakete-Stones and vice-captain Asafo Aumua lead a formidable front row tasked with neutralizing the Drua’s physical scrum.
For the Fijian Drua, today’s match is about redemption. After a Round 1 loss to the Western Force (40–26) and a Round 2 defeat against the Waratahs (36–13), the Drua are desperate for points. However, their record at home remains their greatest asset; the side has historically won eight of their last nine matches played in Fiji, thriving on the vocal local support and the high humidity that often drains visiting New Zealand sides.
Head-to-Head Record
The Hurricanes have historically held the upper hand in this fixture, winning three of the four most recent meetings. However, the Drua famously upset the Wellington-based side 27–24 in May 2023, proving they can topple the competition’s heavyweights on home soil.
| Date | Competition | Result | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 April 2024 | Super Rugby Pacific | Hurricanes 38–15 Fijian Drua | FMG Stadium Waikato |
| 6 May 2023 | Super Rugby Pacific | Fijian Drua 27–24 Hurricanes | HFC Bank Stadium |
| 8 May 2022 | Super Rugby Pacific | Hurricanes 67–5 Fijian Drua | Sky Stadium |
Team News and Tactics
The Hurricanes have revealed a new No. 10 for this fixture, looking to add tactical variety to their attacking line. Public insight suggests the Hurricanes are treating this as a “full strength” mission, aware that the Drua’s “magic or disaster” style of play can turn a game in minutes. The Drua will rely heavily on their offloading game and the speed of their backline, which has already produced contenders for “try of the season” in the opening weeks of 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Fijian Drua vs Hurricanes match being played?
The match is being held at Churchill Park in Lautoka, Fiji.
What is the recent form of both teams?
The Hurricanes are currently undefeated in the 2026 season. The Fijian Drua are looking for their first win of the campaign after losses to the Western Force and the Waratahs.
Who won the last match between these two teams?
In their most recent 2025 encounter, the Hurricanes secured a narrow 38–34 victory in Napier, coming from behind at half-time to snatch the win.
What time is kick-off?
The match is scheduled for Saturday afternoon, 28 February 2026. Local broadcast times vary, but the fixture is the centerpiece of Round 3’s Saturday triple-header.