Olympic Games gold medallist Kitione Taliga will start at fullback for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua as head coach Mick Byrne rings a few changes in his team for the round eight match of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific against ACT Brumbies tomorrow.
Playmaker Teti Tela has been given the captain’s armband as Meli Derenalagi was left out of the match-day squad.
Flying Fijians prop Haereiti Hetet returns for the first time this season, following a successful rehabilitation from injury so as Flying Fijians flanker Rusiate Nasove, a statement from the franchise reads.
This week’s front row consists of Livai Natave (1) at loosehead prop, Samuela Tawake (3) at tighthead, and Zuriel Togiatama (2) starting at hooker for the first time this season.
The reliable Isoa Nasilasila (4) partners Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta (5) in the second row. Joseva Tamani (6) is back in the starting line-up this week at blindside flanker, with Kitione Salawa (7) opposite him at openside flanker position, and Elia Canakaivata at number 8.
In the backline, Peni Matawalu (9) starts at halfback to partner captain Tela (10) who is at flyhalf. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (11) returns to the left wing and will partner Eroni Sau (14) who mans the right wing.
Kalaveti Ravouvou (12) remains at inside centre, with Iosefo Masi (13) outside him, while Taliga (15) completes the backline at fullback.
A strong impact line-up sees the experienced Mesulame Dolokoto (16) cover for hooker, with Hetet (17) covering loosehead and Jone Koroiduadua (18) backing up at tighthead. Leone Rotuisolia (19) and Rusiate Nasove (20) provide cover for the locks and backrowers respectively.
Philip Baselala (21) makes it to the bench for the second consecutive match at replacement halfback, with Michael Naitokani (22). Ilaisa Droasese (23) completes this week’s match day as outside backs’ cover.
The Fijian Drua will face ACT Brumbies at GIO Stadium in Canberra at 9.35pm.
