Four changes

KURUVOLI GETS FIRST START IN CHIEFS MATCH

SWIRE Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne has made four changes to his starting lineup to face the Chiefs in Hamilton this Saturday in round 5 of the 2024 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season.

Mesulame Dolokoto replaces Tevita Ikanivere at hooker, the only change in the starting eight for the forwards.

Experienced front rower Haereiti Hetet remains at loosehead prop with Jone Koroiduadua at tighthead. Mesake Vocevoce

partners Leone Rotuisolia in the middle row. The backrow of Etonia Waqa on the blindside, Vilive Miramira on the openside and captain Meli Derenalagi at number 8 has also been retained.

Making his first start of the season at halfback is Simione Kuruvoli who pairs Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula at flyhalf. Junior Ratuva starts on the left wing with Selestino Ravutaumada on the right. Micheal Naitokani and Iosefo Masi will pair at inside and outside centre respectively. Ilaisa Droasese completes the starting 15 at fullback.

Providing cover at hooker is Zuriel Togitama, with props Emosi Tuqiri and Samuela Tawake at loosehead and tighthead respectively. An impactful middle pair of Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta and Elia Canakaivata will be eager to stamp their mark on the match off the bench. The replacement backline has Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini and Taniela Rakuro.

Meanwhile, Togiatama feels they will have to work on their discipline against the Chiefs.

The Drua conceded 12 penalties compared with six by the Crusaders in the 20-10 win last week. In the first match against the Blues, the Drua gave away 14 penalties. “We gave away too many penalties last week and gave away points through our discipline and we need to work on that this week,” Togiatama said. However, the team has gained significant confidence after their triumph against the Crusaders last week. “We take a lot of confidence from that win against the Crusaders, we did well in our set piece and physicality,” he added.

Togiatama and Livai Natave were part of the Drua team that visited Mulomulo Muslim Primary School yesterday as part of the Anchor Breakfast Club.

Natave shared with students that he began playing rugby as a little boy with friends. This early interest grew, and attending the rugby-loving Queen Victoria School further nurtured his rugby career before eventually joining the Fiji Navy.

The Drua play the Chiefs at 6.30pm on Saturday.