Taniela Rakuro is one of 4 Fijian Drua players who could make their test debuts in the upcoming Pacific Nations Cup.

He previously represented Fiji in an exhibition match against the Barbarians in June 2024 and is currently getting his first taste of NPC rugby with Taranaki who have started the season with 2 wins.

Taranaki stay on top of the NPC ladder after a 46–24 Round 2 win over North Harbour.

Wingers Taniela Rakuro and Vereniki Tikoisolomone both found the line.

Rakuro latched onto a slick offload and burned down the left wing to bag his first NPC try.

Tikoisolomone sealed the deal in the 74th minute, making it two tries from two rounds.

Taniela Rakuro made his official NPC debut for the Bulls in their trip to Northland. The Fijian Drua winger was impressive in their pre-season and Ranfurly Shield matches and started on the wing in their season opener.

He didn’t get many opportunities managing only 13 metres from 3 carries.

Taniela Rakuro made his debut for Taranaki in the Ranfurly Shield match against Thames Valley, delivering a performance to remember.

The explosive Nadroga-Navosa native crossed the line five times, equalling the record for most tries in a single match for Taranaki—a feat previously achieved by Mark Robinson (1997), George Loveridge (1913), and David Vesty (1971).

Rakuro, who has 23 Super Rugby caps with the Fijian Drua, dedicated the performance to his village back in Fiji. The match ended in a dominant 97–0 win for Taranaki at Manaia Domain.

Fellow Fijian winger Vereniki Tikoisolomone also made his mark, scoring two tries and setting up several others in a commanding all-round display from the home side.