Eight members of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua will feature for the Drua Development side in the curtain raiser against the visiting Australian Fijians Rugby Union (AFRU) this Saturday at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The match will set the stage for the highly anticipated Round One Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash between the Drua and Moana Pasifika, giving fans two exciting contests for the price of one.
Coach Nemani Nadolo-Kuridrani has boosted his Development squad with the inclusion of Vilive Miramira, Motikiai Murray, Philip Baselala, Joji Nasova, Inia Tabuavou and Kavaia Tagivetaua, adding valuable experience and firepower to the young side.
Speaking ahead of the opener, Nadolo-Kuridrani said the presence of senior squad members would benefit both groups.
“We’re really preparing well and we’re fortunate enough to have some of the top squad guys join us,” he said.
“For them, it’s about getting valuable minutes, but it’s also good for our boys to rub shoulders with some of our senior players.”
The curtain raiser provides an important platform for emerging talent to showcase their skills in front of a home crowd, while strengthening depth within the wider Drua system.
The match kicks off at 12.30pm.
Drua Development squad:
Breyton Legge, Kavaia Tagivetaua, Harold Rounds (c), Angelo Smith, Janerio Wakeham, Vilive Miramira, Motikiai Murray, Kalioni Ratunabuabua, Philip Baselala, Meli Dreu, Joji Nasova, Inia Tabuavou, Pita Manamanaivalu, Garlen Peace, Bogi Kikau.
Bench: Josh Uluibau, JD Sivivatu Kanth, Sairusi Ravudi, Daris Khan, Jeremaia Teka, Adam Khan, Joweli Walevu, Isikeli Basiyalo, Maleli Nauvasi.
