The Fijian Drua have named their squad for the crucial away-match against the Highlanders this Sunday in Round 14 of Super Rugby Pacific in Dunedin.
Head Coach Mick Byrne has made three changes to the match-day 23 squad after last week’s win over the Queensland Reds. In welcome news, Flying Fijians flyhalf Caleb Muntz has been named on the bench, and is poised to return to the field after a long-term injury.
In the starting 15, prop Jone Koroiduadua (1) remains at loosehead for this week. Last week’s Home Basics Player of the Match and captain Tevita Ikanivere (2) also remains at hooker, while veteran Mesake Doge (3) is at tighthead prop. Mesake Vocevoce (4) starts alongside locking partner Isoa Nasilasila (5) in the middle row. Etonia Waqa (6) is at blindside flanker, top tackling Kitione Salawa (7) is at openside while the rampaging Elia Canakaivata (8) starts at number 8 this week.
Simi Kuruvoli (9) is at halfback again this week partnering Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (10) who is at flyhalf. Epeli Momo (11) starts on the left wing this week with Selestino Ravutaumada (14) on the right. Kemu Valetini (12) makes the run-on team this week at inside centre. Iosefo Masi (13) starts at outside centre while Ilaisa Droasese (15) retains his place at fullback.
On the bench, Byrne has named Zuriel Togiatama (16) as cover at hooker, with props Emosi Tuqiri (17) and Samu Tawake (18) as loosehead and tighthead respectively. Leone Rotuisolia (19) returns to the matchday 23 as replacement lock, while Vilive Miramira (20) will cover for the loose forwards. Peni Matawalu (21) is back up halfback while Caleb Muntz (22) will provide cover for the inside halves. Taniela Rakuro (23) covers the rest of the backline.
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua vs Highlanders match will kick off at 2.05pm (FJT) on Sunday at the Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.
First 15
1.Jone Koroiduadua
2. Tevita Ikanivere (C)
3. Mesake Doge
4.Mesake Vocevoce
5.Isoa Nasilasila
6.Etonia Waqa
7.Kitione Salawa
8.Elia Canakaivata
9. Simi Kuruvoli
10.Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
11. Epeli Momo
12.Kemu Valetini
13.Iosefo Masi
14. Selestino Ravutaumada
15. Ilaisa Droasese
Impact
16. Zuriel Togiatama
17.Emosi Tuqiri
18.Samu Tawake
19.Leone Rotuisolia
20.Vilive Miramira
21.Peni Matawalu
22.Caleb Muntz
23.Taniela Rakuro
