PROPS Livai Natave and Meli Tuni have been named in the starting lineup for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s crucial Round 6 clash against the Western Force in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific on Sunday.
As the team seeks its first away win in two seasons, Head Coach Glen Jackson has entrusted Caleb Muntz to lead the attack.
In the forward pack, Natave (1) starts at loosehead prop, Tuni (3) at tight head, and captain Tevita Ikanivere (2) at hooker. Mesake Vocevoce (4) partners Isoa Nasilasila (5) in the second row, while Etonia Waqa (6) takes the blindside flanker role, Elia Canakaivata (7) starts at openside, and Meli Derenalagi (8) anchors the pack at number eight.
The backline sees Simione Kuruvoli (9) at halfback, linking up with flyhalf Caleb Muntz (10). Taniela Rakuro (11) starts on the left wing, while Ponipate Loganimasi (14) shifts to the right. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (12) retains his spot at inside centre, with Iosefo Masi (13) at outside centre. Ilaisa Droasese (15) returns to the starting lineup at fullback.
For impact off the bench, Jackson has selected Mesulame Dolokoto (16) as the reserve hooker, Haereiti Hetet (17) at loosehead prop, and Mesake Doge (18) covering tighthead. Vilive Miramira provides lock cover, while Kitione Salawa (20) supports the loose forwards. Peni Matawalu (21) is the reserve halfback, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (22) covers flyhalf, and Vuate Karawalevu (23) rounds out the matchday squad as a backline utility.
Lineup; 1. Livai Natave, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (c), 3. Meli Tuni, 4. Mesake Vocevoce, 5. Isoa Nasilasila, 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Elia Canakaivata, 8. Meli Derenalagi, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Taniela Rakuro, 12. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Ponipate Loganimasi, 15. Ilaisa Droasese
Impact: 16. Mesulame Dolokoto, 17. Haereiti Hetet, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Vilive Miramira, 20. Kitione Salawa, 21. Peni Matawalu, 22. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23. Vuate Karawalevu
