Fijian Drua squad named for Moana Pasifika

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua have named their squad for the crucial return match against the Moana Pasifika this Saturday in Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.

Head Coach Mick Byrne has made seven changes to the starting line-up this week. The squad has a 6 – 2 split on the bench as the Drua prepare for a powerful Moana Pasifika pack in the Battle of the Pacific.

In the starting 15, powerful front rower Haereiti Hetet (1) retains his place at loosehead while Zuriel Togiatama (2) gets his first start of the season at hooker.

Veteran prop Mesake Doge (3) remains at tighthead prop. Isoa Nasilasila (4) retains his place with locking partner Leone Rotuisolia (5) in the middle row.

Etonia Waqa (6) returns to the line-up at blindside flanker after recovering from injury. The exciting Kitione Salawa (7) starts again at openside flanker while captain Meli Derenalagi (8) is back at number 8.

Peni Matawalu (9) starts at halfback alongside Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (10) who returns to the team at flyhalf.

Taniela Rakuro (11) starts on the left wing this week with Selestino Ravutaumada (14) on the right. Blockbusting centre Apisalome Vota (12) also returns to the squad to start at inside centre, with Iosefo Masi (13) outside him. Ilaisa Droasese (15) completes the starting 15 at fullback.

On the bench, Byrne has named Mesu Dolokoto (16) covering at hooker, with props Livai Natave (17) and Samu Tawake (18) as loosehead and tighthead props respectively.

Mesake Vocevoce (19) is replacement lock, while backrowers Vilive Miramira (20) and Elia Canakaivata (21) are both on the bench for added impact this week. Versatile back Simi Kuruvoli (22) will provide cover for both halfback and flyhalf, while Michael Naitokani (23) will cover the rest of the backline.

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua vs Moana Pasifika match will kick off on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 2pm at Churchill Park in Lautoka. 

First 15 

1. 1. Haereiti Hetet

1. 2. Zuriel Togiatama

1. 3. Mesake Doge

1. 4. Isoa Nasilasila

1. 5. Leone Rotuisolia

1. 6. Etonia Waqa

1. 7. Kitione Salawa

1. 8. Meli Derenalagi (c)

1. 9. Peni Matawalu

1. 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula

1. 11. Taniela Rakuro

1. 12. Apisalome Vota

1. 13. Iosefo Masi

1. 14. Selestino Ravutaumada

1. 15. Ilaisa Droasese

1. Impact

1. 16. Mesu Dolokoto

1. 17. Livai Natave

1. 18. Samu Tawake

1. 19. Mesake Vocevoce

1. 20. Vilive Miramira

1. 21. Elia Canakaivata

1. 22. Simi Kuruvoli

23. Michael Naitokani