Fijian Drua Head Coach Mick Byrne has named his round 12 squad for the Super Rugby Pacific away game against the Western Force on Friday.
Making a return to this week’s starting 15 is ‘Big T’ – Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, who missed the last two games, while captain Meli Derenalagi, Eroni Sau and Jone Koroiduadua returning to the run-on side.
All three came off the bench in last week’s historic win against the Hurricanes.
Other players to make the matchday 23 this week Zuriel Togiatama, Jone Tiko, Caleb Muntz and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.
This week’s front row sees Haereiti Hetet (1) at loosehead prop with Jone Koroi starting (3) at tighthead alongside hooker Tevita Ikanivere.
In the second row, Isoa Nasilasila (4) partners Cirikidaveta (5) this week. Joseva Tamani (6) reverts to blindside flanker, with Vilive Miramira (7) moving to the openside. Derenalagi (8) takes over the captaincy and starts at number 8 this weekend.
In the backline, Frank Lomani (9) starts at halfback with Teti Tela (10) at flyhalf. Taniela Rakuro (11) retains his left wing spot, pairing Eroni Sau (14) who is on the right wing.
The dynamic centre combination of Kalaveti Ravouvou (12) at inside centre and Iosefo Masi (13) at outside has also been retained.
Ilaisa Droasese (15) completes the starting 15 at fullback.
A few changes to the bench this week sees Togiatama (16) named as cover for hooker, Livai Natave (17) covering loosehead while Jone Tiko (18) is replacement tighthead prop.
Etonia Waqa (19) remains as second row cover and Elia Canakaivata (20) will cover for the backrow.
Peni Matawalu (21) is replacement halfback, while Caleb Muntz (22) returns from an 8-week injury layoff as cover for the inside halves. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (23) completes the matchday 23 as cover for the outside backs.
The Fijian Drua take on the Western Force at HBF Stadium in Perth on Friday at 9.35pm FJT.
SOURCE: FIJIAN DRUA/PACNEWS
