SWIRE Shipping Fijian Drua enforcer Elia Canakaivata is on the verge of a major milestone, set to become just the fourth player to reach 50 caps for the club when they face the Highlanders this Saturday in Ba.
Canakaivata, the squad’s leading try-scorer with 13 tries, has been named at No.8 for the Round 12 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash at Churchill Park’s Four R Stadium, Govind Park.
Head coach Glen Jackson has made a tactical switch this week, moving co-captain Frank Lomani to the right wing a position he is familiar with.
The matchday 23 also welcomes the return of Isikeli Rabitu and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre from injury.
Up front, Haereiti Hetet starts at loosehead prop, with Mesake Doge at tight head and Zuriel Togiatama at hooker.
Isoa Nasilasila pairs with co-captain Temo Mayanavanua in the locking combination, while Joseva Tamani takes up the blindside flanker role. Kitione Salawa, last week’s Home Basics Player of the Match, starts at openside, with Canakaivata anchoring the scrum at No.8.
In the backline, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa returns at halfback to partner flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula. Joji Nasova comes in on the left wing, with Lomani on the right. Virimi Vakatawa starts at inside centre, alongside Samusamuvodre at outside centre, while Rabitu slots in at fullback.
On the bench, Kavaia Tagivetaua provides cover at hooker, with Emosi Tuqiri and Peni Ravai backing up the front row. Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Tuwai add depth in the forwards, while Philip Baselala, Kemu Valetini and Maika Tuitubou cover the backline.
Ponipate Loganimasi, Motikiai Murray and Epeli Momo are out injured. Lineup; Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge, Isoa Nasilasila, Temo Mayanavanua (cc), Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Joji Nasova, Virimi Vakatawa, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Frank Lomani (cc), Isikeli Rabitu. Bench: Kavaia Tagivetaua, Emosi Tuqiri, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Tuwai, Philip Baselala, Kemu Valetini, Maika Tuitubou
