The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has named its matchday squad for the first home game against the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific defending champions Crusaders at Lautoka’s Churchill Park this Saturday.
The return of versatile Ilaisa Droasese to the starting 15 headlines this week’s matchday 23. Also making their first starts of the season are Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua and Vilive Miramira.
Hetet will start at loosehead to partner with Tevita Ikanivere at hooker and Koroiduadua at tighthead. Mesake Vocevoce gets another start in the middle row and will pair with Ratu Leone Rotuisolia. Etonia Waqa is at blindside flanker with Miramira on the openside. Meli Derenalagi will captain the side at number 8.
The starting halves are Frank Lomani (9) and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (10). Epeli Momo swaps wings this week to start on the left, with Selestino Ravutaumada returning to the right wing. Apisalome Vota and Iosefo Masi remain at inside and outside centre respectively. Flying Fijian Droasese dons the number 15 this week for his first 2024 appearance.
On the bench, hooker, Mesulame Dolokoto with props Livai Natave and Mesake Doge are the backup front row. The experience of Flying Fijian locks Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta will come in handy later in the match for the middle row, with Elia Canakaivata as back-up loose forward. Expect Simione Kuruvoli to be injected into the match at scrumhalf alongside sharpshooter Kemu Valetini. Last week’s debutant Junior Ratuva makes it to the matchday 23 again as backline cover.
