Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Head Coach Mick Byrne has announced his line-up for the historic first homecoming match at ANZ Stadium Suva, as the men from Fiji take on the Highlanders from New Zealand.
It’s the first time in six months for majority of the players to return home for a chance to play in front of family and fans in the Fijian capital.
Haereiti Hetet (1) links up with Flying Fijians Mesulame Dolokoto (2) and Manasa Saulo (3) in the front row, while Viliame Rarasea (4) and Ratu Rotuisolia (5) man the lock positions. In the backrow, Captain Meli Derenalagi (6) leads a dynamic trio with Vilive Miramira (7) and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta (8) as the number 8 loose forward.
The halves pairing sees Frank Lomani (9) at halfback and Teti Tela (10) at flyhalf. The powerful centre combination of Kalaveti Ravouvou (12) and Apisalome Vota (13) reunite for this match. Vinaya Habosi (11) and Selestino Ravutaumada (14) are on the wings, while Kitione Taliga (15) is at fullback.
Providing impact off the bench this week are Tevita Ikanivere (16), Meli Tuni (17) and Samuela Tawake (18). Isoa Nasilasila (19) and Joseva Tamani (20) round out the substitute forward pack. The backline impact players off the bench are Simione Kuruvoli (21), Onisi Ratave (22) and Kitione Ratu (23).
Coach Byrne said: “It’s so exciting for us to be playing our first ever match on home soil. We’re looking forward to playing in front of our fans. The boys understand the importance of a good performance in front of their home crowd. It’s also our second hit-out against a New Zealand team so we expect it to be a fast and physical clash. We’ve geared up for that and we’re really looking forward to putting a performance out on the park that our fans will be proud of.”
Round 11 vs Highlanders
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Matchday 23
- Haereiti Hetet
- Mesulame Dolokoto
- Manasa Saulo
- Viliame Rarasea
- Ratu Rotuisolia
- Meli Derenalagi (c)
- Vilive Miramira
- Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
- Frank Lomani
- Teti Tela
- Vinaya Habosi
- Kalaveti Ravouvou
- Apisalome Vota
- Selestino Ravutaumada
- Kitione Taliga
- Tevita Ikanivere
- Meli Tuni
- Samuela Tawake
- Isoa Nasilasila
- Joseva Tamani
- Simione Kuruvoli
- Onisi Ratave
- Kitione Ratu
