Lock Isoa Nasilasila will miss a Super Rugby Pacific match for the first time in three seasons when the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua face the Crusaders in Lautoka on Saturday.
Nasilasila copped an ankle injury in the team’s 39-36 loss to Moana Pasifika in the weekend and will sit out for the next 3-4 weeks.
The 24-year-old is the most capped Drua player with 29 match appearances to his name.
Coach Mick Byrne said while it is unfortunate to lose the most consistent player of the team, it is encouraging to see that they have capable replacements in the squad.
He said promising youngster Mesake Vocevoce and Leone Rotuisolia are training well and could easily fit in the lock’s position for the big clash against the defending champions.