![Brumbies forward Iris Verebalavu is eager to play in Fiji. Picture by Dion Georgopoulos Brumbies forward Iris Verebalavu is eager to play in Fiji. Picture by Dion Georgopoulos](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/GzY3iczng7SLWqVgHSV78t/63f02057-5def-4b28-bd82-fb47ef848cec.jpg/r0_433_5568_3576_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
It didn't take long for one match to jump out at Iris Verebalavu when the Super W draw was released on Wednesday morning.
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Round one, ACT Brumbies taking on the Fijiana Drua in Nadi.
The match will have special meaning for Verebalavu on a number of fronts.
Having represented Fiji at the World Cup, the prop will play in her father's homeland against her Fijian teammates.
"It'll be really special to play in Fiji," Verebalavu said. "It's obviously a bittersweet moment for me. I spent a long time with these girls, getting to know them, learning how they play, so it will be difficult to play against them. I made heaps of lifelong friends in that team, so I'm really excited to head over to Nadi.
"Going over there before the World Cup, I got a bit of exposure to the rugby community in Fiji. When I go back, even though I'll be playing for a different team, I'm still half Fijian. I'll still be playing for all the people at home and representing my father's side of the family."
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The clash in Nadi is the first of a five-round Super W season that will also see the Brumbies play doubleheaders in Canberra against the Waratahs and Rebels.
Scott Fava's side will also travel to Queensland and Perth as they look to climb into the top four.
The semi-finals will be played at the redeveloped Concord Oval on April 30 before the highest placed qualifier hosts the grand final the following week.
The Drua shocked many in their first season in the Super W competition, progressing through undefeated before beating the Waratahs 32-26 in the final.
Having spent the past few months in camp with the Fijian national side, Verebalavu said it should come as no surprise if the Drua are pushing to defend their title.
"It's really special to see the Drua grow coming off the back of the World Cup," Verebalavu said.
"When the Drua girls came into the competition this year for the first time, they showed everyone, not only in Fiji, but here in Australia, how talented they are and how good rugby they can play."
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