Zuriel: Chiefs Tough
Big test for rookie Drua No.10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula who faces McKenzie
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua hooker Zuriel Togiatama never lost hope in making the Match 23 squad to face the Chiefs in their Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash at the FMG Waikato Stadium in Hamilton, New Zealand, on Saturday. The 25-year-old who was in the Flying Fijians squad at last year’s Rugby World Cup had been working tirelessly despite not making the Match 23 list the past three outings. Togiatama told SUNsports yesterday that he is expecting a torrid encounter against the Chiefs, following the latter’s upset loss to Reds last Saturday.
“I was hopeful of getting a chance this weekend against the Chiefs,” he said.
“The last time I played against Chiefs was in our first season (2022- debut year) where we were in a tough situation,” Togiatama said. Togiatama said going into third season with the Drua he still plans to become a social worker when his rugby career is over.
“I have to go back to the Auckland University of Technology to complete my degree, which is in Criminology (Conflict resolutions) where I have six units left to complete.” Togiatama started his university studies in 2018, he started off as a full-time student in the first year then part-time when his rugby career took off. “At the moment I’m still trying to balance that with rugby, which is sort of a challenge.” Togiatama was born in New Zealand but has links to Mavana, Vanuabalavu and Naroi, Moala, in Lau.
Meanwhile, Mesulame Dolokoto gets his first start at hooker along with Simione Kuruvoli, Michael Naitokani and Junior Ratuva in the backs.
The match kicks-off at 6.05pm.
LINE-UPS
Drua: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Mesulame Dolokoto, 3. Jone Koroiduadua, 4. Mesake Vocevoce, 5. Leone Rotuisolia,
6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Vilive Miramira, 8.
Meli Derenalagi (captain), 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Junior Ratuva, 12. Michael Naitokani, 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Selestino Ravutaumada, 15. Ilaisa Droasese.
Reserves: 16. Zuriel Togiatama, 17. Emosi Tuqiri, 18. Samuela Tawake,
19. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 20. Elia Canakaivata, 21. Peni Matawalu, 22.
Kemu Valetini, 23. Taniela Rakuro.
Chiefs: 1. Aidan Ross, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Reuben O’Neill, 4. Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 5. Jimmy Tupou,
6. Samipeni Finau, 7. Kaylum Boshier,
8. Luke Jacobson (c), 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Etene Nanai-Seturo, 12. Rameka Poihipi, 13. Anton Lienert-Brown, 14. Daniel Rona, 15. Shaun Stevenson.
Reserves: 16. Bradley Slater, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. George Dyer, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Tom Florence,
21. Xavier Roe, 22. Josh Ioane, 23. Quinn Tupaea MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Dan Waenga; Assistant Referees: Paul Williams, Mike Winter
waisean@fijisun.