Drua makes changes
SWIRE Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne continues to rotate his squad after naming his line-up for the Round 12 Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Hurricanes in Wellington on Sunday.
After last week’s narrow 24-27 loss to the Highlanders in Suva, Byrne has made nine changes to his starting line-up for Hurricanes clash.
“We’re preparing for a very physical game this week against a very good Hurricanes team,” Byrne said.
“The boys are really wanting to get out there this week to show the Wellington crowd and our fans in New Zealand what they can do.”
In the front row, prop Haereiti Hetet retains his loosehead prop position, joined by Zuriel Togiatama at hooker and Samuela Tawake at tighthead.
Isoa Nasilasila partners Sorovakatini Tuifagalele in the second row.
Captain Meli Derenalagi returns to his blindside flanker position this week, with Kitione Salawa at openside and big Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta retaining his number 8 loose forward role.
The halves pairing this week sees Simione Kuruvoli at halfback and Caleb Muntz in at fly half.
In the centres, young Jona Mataiciwa comes in at inside centre with Apisalome Vota outside him.
Kitione Ratu and Selestino Ravutaumada will be on the wings for this match, with the hot stepping Kitione Taliga at fullback.
In the reserves, Tevita Ikanivere, Meli Tuni and Manasa Saulo will back up the front row.
Chris Minimbi and Raikabula Momoedonu also make the matchday 23 this week and will provide further impact on the bench along with Leone Nawai , Teti Tela and Onisi Ratave.
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Matchday 23 team:
1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Samuela Tawake, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Sorovakatini Tuifagalele,
6. Meli Derenalagi (c), 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Kitione Ratu, 12. Jona Mataiciwa, 13. Apisalome Vota,
14. Selestino Ravutaumada, 15. Kitione Taliga Reserves: 16. Tevita Ikanivere, 17. Meli Tuni, 18. Manasa Saulo, 19. Chris Minimbi, 20. Raikabula Momoedonu, 21. Leone Nawai, 22. Teti Tela, 23. Onisi Ratave