Tough Battle Looms in Friday’s Clash
Super Rugby Player of the Week, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula gets another start for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in tomorrow night’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Rebels in Melbourne, Australia.
The 20-year-old is currently the second highest points scorer in the competition with 60. Ravula faces Wallabies No.10 Carter Gordon at the AAMI Park.
In another interesting tussle will be at outside centre where Drua’s Iosefo Masi goes head-to-head Filipo Daugunu.
Daugunu has been the Rebels main strike weapon at No.13 by scoring crucial tries to win them matches.
His two-match absence due to a relocation fee dispute with the club was felt as the Rebels suffered big losses to the Hurricanes and Reds. Masi is currently the competition’s top try scorer. In a tactical move, Rebels coach Kevin Foote has named Fijian duo of Angelo Smith and Maciu Nabolakasi at flankers. Drua blindside flanker Etonia Waqa is out injured with Vilive Miramira replacing him. Also making a return to the starting line-up is captain Meli Derenalagi at No.8 while Rebels have rested Rob Leota with prop Sam Talakai leading the charge. The match kicks-off at
8.35pm.
LINE-UPS
REBELS: 1. Matt Gibbon, 2. Jordan Uelese, 3. Sam Talakai (c), 4. Josh Canham,
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto,
6. Angelo Smith, 7. Maciu Nabolakasi, 8. Tuaina Taii
Tualima, 9. Ryan Louwrens,
10. Carter Gordon, 11. Glen Vaihu, 12. David Feliuai, 13. Filipo Daugunu, 14. Darby Lancaster, 15. Nick Jooste.
Reserves: 16. Alex Mafi, 17. Isaac Kailea, 18. Taniela Tupou, 19. Daniel Maiava, 20. Vaiolini Ekuasi, 21. James Tuttle, 22. Matt Proctor, 23. Mason Gordon
DRUA:
1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Mesake Vocevoce, 5. Leone Rotuisolia, 6. Vilive
Reserves: