MANASA Mataele and Joji Nasova return to the the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua matchday 23 for Round 8 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Crusaders.
Head coach Glen Jackson has put his faith in the duo to take over wing duties, stepping in for Ponipate Loganimasi and Epeli Momo, who are sidelined with injuries.
The squad also welcomes young Philip Baselala into the matchday 23 for the first time this season while Issak Fines-Leleiwasa steps into the No.9 jersey in place of co-captain Frank Lomani, who is also ruled out with injury.
In the starting 15, Haereiti Hetet (1) starts at loosehead prop with Mesake Doge (3) at tighthead and Zuriel Togiatama (2) at hooker.
Captain for the match Isoa Nasilasila (4) will start at lock partnering Joseva Tamani (5) in the middle row.
Loose forward Etonia Waqa (6) starts at blindside flanker position with Kitione Salawa (7) to start at openside. Elia Canakaivata (8) retains his place at number 8 loose forward.
In the backline, Fines-Leleiwasa (9) starts at halfback, partnering Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (10) who is at flyhalf. Manasa Mataele (11) will start on the left wing with Joji Nasova (14) taking his right-wing position.
Last week’s Home Basics Player of the Match Iosefo Namoce (12) retains his place at inside centre with Virimi Vakatawa (13) to start outside him. Ilaisa Droasese (15) is at fullback.
For impact this week, exciting youngster Sairusi Ravudi (16) will provide backup for hooker position, Emosi Tuqiri (17) will be at loosehead, with Peni Ravai (18) covering the tighthead prop position. Mesake Vocevoce (19) will cover for the locks and Isoa Tuwai (20) backs up the loose forward trio. Philip Baselala (21) will cover the halves with Kemu Valetini (22). Isikeli Rabitu (23) completes matchday squad.
