Swire Fijian Drua coach Mick Byrne has named two debutants in his starting line-up to take on Moana Pasifika in its opening match of the 2023 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition tomorrow.

Another two potential debutants have been named on the bench for the cracking season opener this weekend. New recruit Emosi Tuqiri makes his Drua debut in the number 1 jersey at loosehead prop, partnering Jone Koroiduadua (3) who will pack down at tighthead. Tevita Ikanivere (2) completes the front row at hooker and will stand in as captain of the team for this match.

Flying Fijians pair Isoa Nasilasila (4) and Ratu Rotuisolia (5) reunite as starting locks for the match, with Joseva Tamani (6) and Kitione Salawa (7) at blindside and openside flanker positions.

Big Te Ahiwararu Cirikidaveta (8) is the number 8 loose forward.

Byrne has opted for the tried and tested halves combination of Frank Lomani (9) at halfback and Teti Tela (10) at flyhalf. Hard running Kalaveti Ravouvou (12) starts the match at inside centre while Tokyo Olympics 7s Gold Medalist and Rugby World Cup 7s winner Iosefo Masi (13) makes his Super Rugby Pacific debut at outside centre.

Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (11) and Selestino Ravutaumada (14) will man the wings for the match, with Ilaisa Droasese (15) at fullback.

Providing impact off the bench are Zuriel Togiatama (16) as hooker, with Jone Tiko (17) and Samuela Tawake (18) as front row cover and Sorovakatini Tuifagalele (19) backing up for the locks. Rugby World Cup 7s winner and new Drua recruit Elia Canakavata (20) is a potential debut off the bench as cover for the loose forwards.

Halves Peni Matawalu (21) and Caleb Muntz (22) have also been added to the bench, while rounding out the matchday 23 is young Nadroga winger Taniela Rakuro, who was recently promoted from the Drua development squad. The match kicks off at 3.35pm tomorrow Saturday at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland.

•  Starting 15: 1. Emosi Tuqiri, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (c) 3. Jone Koroiduadua, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Leone Rotuisolia, 6. Joseva Tamani, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Te Cirikidaveta, 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Teti Tela, 11. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12. Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Selestino Ravutaumada, 15. Ilaisa Droasese.
• Reserves: 16. Zuriel Togiatama, 17. Jone Tiko, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, 20. Elia Canakaivata, 21. Peni Matawalu, 22. Caleb Muntz, 23. Taniela Rakuro