Coaches make tactical changes
Byrne and Coleman work on their winning strategies
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has beefed up their front rows in tomorrow’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash against NSW Waratahs at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Australia.
Head coach Mick Byrne has rested props Jone Koroiduadua and Emosi Tuqiri.
He named Samuela Tawake to start at tighthead prop while Jone Tiko is at loosehead prop.
Byrne has opted to bring in burly
Kaliopasi Uluilakepa on the reserves along with Livai Natave. Uluilakepa has been a hard man to bring down close to the tryline and this was evident in the preseason clash against Western Force in Brisbane where he scored two second half tries.
Hooker Tevita Ikanivere again gets the nod to lead the side while captain, Meli Derenalagi, is still under rehab.
Byrne has made another change with Caleb Muntz to man the first five eight position ahead of Teti Tela, who did not play well in the 36-34 win over Moana Pasifika.
Six-two split
Meanwhile, Waratahs head coach Darren Coleman has made three changes to his forward pack while naming an unchanged backline from the team that took on the Brumbies last weekend.
Tom Lambert, who led the team in carries against the Brumbies, has been named at loosehead prop to replace the injured Angus Bell, with David Porecki and Archer Holz completing the front-row. Hugh Sinclair has been recalled to the starting side in the second row alongside Jed Holloway, with Taleni Seu reverting to the bench. Wallaby flanker Langi Gleeson, who made an impact late in the game against the Brumbies, starts a number eight, with Michael Hooper and Lachlan Swinton rounding out an impressive back row.
Jake Gordon and Tane Edmed resume their partnership in the halves while Lalakai Foketi and Izaia Perese again link up in the midfield.
Max Jorgensen, fresh off a twotry Super Rugby Pacific debut last weekend, has been named on the wing, joining Wallabies Ben Donaldson and Mark Nawaqanitawase in the back three.
Coleman has once again named a six-two split on his bench and will look to get plenty of impact from Charlie Gamble and Will Harris late in the game.
Tolu Latu is set to play his first Super Rugby match for the Waratahs in 1365 days, while NSW Waratahs Academy products Daniel Botha and Ben Dowling are both in line to make their Super Rugby debuts. “The changes in the forward pack are an indication of some of the tactical things we are trying to do, in and around our set piece and maul,” Coleman told rugby.com.au “We’re still working hard to find our best balanced and performing back row, while Tom Lambert did a great job in stepping up for Angus Bell and will have to carry a big portion of the load going forward.
“The team is excited for Dan Botha and Ben Dowling and their potential debuts.
“They’ve come through our pathways and academy, and it’s always pleasing to see play0ers graduate into fully-fledged Super Rugby players.”