Fijian Drua coach Mick Byrne has made five changes to his run-on side to face the New South Wales Waratahs in round five of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific in Lautoka this weekend.
Livewire hooker Tevita Ikanivere returns to the starting 15 ahead of Mesulame Dolokoto while Mesake Doge comes in for Jone Koroiduadua.
The pair will partner Haereiti Hetet in the front row.
Frank Lomani returns to the halfback position ahead of Simione Kuruvoli, Taniela Rakuro replaces Junior Ratuva on the wing while Apisalome Vota comes in at inside centre ahead of Michael Naitokani.
Byrne has retained the second row pairing of Mesake Vocevoce and Leone Rotuisolia as well as the back-row combination of Etonia Waqa, Vilive Miramira and Meli Derenalagi.
Fly half Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula retains the number 10 jersey while centre Iosefo Masi will partner Vota in the midfield.
In-form winger, Selestino Ravutaumada will again run out at right wing with Ilaisa Droasese retaining the fullback spot.
There are two changes on the bench with blockbusting flanker Kitione Salawa expected to make his return from a shoulder injury after 11 months on the side line with speedster Epeli Momo also named as an impact player.
Meanwhile, Fijian Drua Women have named their matchday 23 to take on NSW Waratahs in the double header at Churchill Park in Lautoka this Saturday.
The Fijian Drua Women’s team defeated the Reds 32-21 last week and look to better their performance this week at home.
Head Coach Mosese Rauluni has retained most of the matchday 23 from last week’s win.
The Drua vs NSW Waratahs game will kick-off at 3.35pm on Saturday.
First 15
Anaseimeci Korovata
Vika Matarugu
Mereoni Vonosere
Mereoni Nakesa
Jade Coates
Teresia Tinanivalu
Sulita Waisega
Karalaini Naisewa (C)
Evivi Senikarivi
Merewalesi Rokouono
Adita Milinia
Merewai Cumu
Vani Arei
Merewairita Neivosa
Luisa Tisolo
Impact
Keleni Marawa
Loraini Senivutu
Tiana Robanakadavu
Aviame Veidreyaki
Nunia Daunimoala
Setaita Railumu
Jeniffer Ravutia
Atelaite Ralivanawa.
The Fijian Drua will host the Waratahs at 1:05pm at Churchill Park in a double header.
This will be followed by Fijian Drua Women taking on the Waratahs Women’s side at 3:35pm.
