Muntz starts against Tahs

YOUNG Caleb Muntz will start at flyhalf for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua when they face the NSW Waratahs in round two of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition at AAMI PArk in Melbourne tomorrow. The 23-year-old starts swabs places with Teti Tela after coming off the bench in the 36-34 round one win against Moana Pasifika last weekend.

Drua head coach Mick Byrne has made six changes to the starting line-up from last week’s match, with several benchers making a start against the Tahs.

In the front row Jone Tiko comes in place of Emosi Tuqiri and Samuela Tawake starts in place of Jone Koroduadua. Flying Fijians prop Livai Natave is a potential debutant from the bench, coming in after Tiko’s promotion. Big Kaliopasi Uluilakepa is set to make his 2023 season debut and is expected to run in for Tawake. All starting second and back rowers start again against the Waratahs, with Isoa Nasilasila and Ratu Rotuisolia at lock, Joseva Tamani and Kitione Salawa at openside and blindside flankers respectively, and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta as the number 8 loose forward.

In the backs, Frank Lomani teams up with Muntz this week for the halves. The centre combination of Kalaveti Ravouvou and Iosefo has also been retained. In the back three, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre and Selestino Ravutaumada start again on the wings with Ilaisa Droasese at fullback.

Providing impact this week off the bench will be Zuriel Togiatama backing up as hooker, and Natave as backup tighthead. Uluilakepa completes the front row substitutions. Sorovakatini Tuifagalele is reserve lock, with hard running debutant from last week Elia Canakaivata providing cover for the loose forwards. Peni Matawalu is the substitute halfback, alongside Tela. Rounding out the matchday 23 is young winger Taniela Rakuro, who scored the wining try over Moana last week.

The match kicks off at 8.35pm.

Fijian Drua v NSW Waratahs

1. Jone Tiko, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (c), 3 Samuela Tawake, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 5 Leone Rotuisolia, 6 Joseva Tamani, 7 Kitione Salawa, 8 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 9 Frank Lomani, 10 Caleb Muntz, 11 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 12 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 13 Iosefo Masi, 14 Seletino Ravutaumada, 15 Ilaisa Droasese.

Reserves: 16 Zuriel Togiatama, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, 19 Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, 20 Elia Canakaivata, 21 Peni Matawalu, 22 Teti Tela, 23 Taniela Rakuro