SWIRE Shipping Fijian Drua player Kitione Salawa will start off the bench at number eight this week against Moana Pasifika in round 11 of the Super Rugby Pacific competition.
Head coach Glen Jackson’s selection of Salawa will allow him to have game time and also manage the minutes played by Elia Canakaivata who has been in the starting 15 in previous outings for the Drua recently.
Another placement to look out for is the selection of Isikeli Rabitu to start at inside centre while co-captain Tevita Ikanivere and Vuate Karawalevu will return this Saturday.
Jackson’s match-day 23 sees him retain a majority of the players that helped the Drua triumph over the Waratahs 28-14 at Churchill Park in Lautoka last week.
Meanwhile, this is the Drua’s first clash against the Moana Pasifika, who have had notable wins so far in the competition.
Moana beat the Crusaders 45-29 in round seven and the Waratahs 45-28 in round eight.
Last week, they were beaten by the ACT Brumbies 0-24 and 17-36 by the Blues a week prior.
The recent Super Rugby Pacific standings show the two teams occupy the bottom two spots; the Moana Pasifika team with 15 points and the Drua with 11 so far.
Starters: 1. Peni Ravai, 2. Mesulame Dolokoto (c), 3. Samuela Tawake, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Leone Rotuisolia, 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Motikiai Murray, 8. Kitione Salawa, 9/ Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Ponipate Loganimasi, 12. Isikeli Rabitu, 13. Inia Tabuavou, 14. Taniela Rakuro, 15. Vuate Karawalevu.
Impact: Tevita Ikanivere, Meli Tuni, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Elia Canakaivata, Leone Nawai, Kemu Valetini, Selestino Ravutaumada.
