Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne has retained his starting line-up from last week’s win against the Melbourne Rebels as the Drua make their second consecutive quarter-final appearance in just three seasons.
Fifteen of the matchday 23 players featured for the Drua in last year’s quarter-final match.
Prop Livai Natave is at loosehead while Tevita Ikanivere starts at hooker with Mesake Doge at tighthead prop.
In the second row, Mesake Vocevoce will again partner with Leone Rotuisolia.
Etonia Waqa is at blindside flanker while Kitione Salawa remains at openside.
Captain Meli Derenalagi is at number eight.
Frank Lomani starts at halfback partnering with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula at flyhalf.
The impressive Waqa Nalaga remains at left wing with Selestino Ravutaumada retaining his right-wing spot.
Kemu Valetini starts at inside centre with Iosefo Masi at outside centre while Ilaisa Droasese is at fullback.
Byrne has named a 6–2 split on the bench once again.
Zuriel Togiatama is the cover at hooker with props Emosi Tuqiri and Samu Tawake as the loosehead and tighthead props, respectively.
Isoa Nasilasila is the replacement lock while Motikiai Murray covers the loose forwards alongside Elia Canakaivata.
Peni Matawalu will provide cover for the inside halves and Caleb Muntz will cover the rest of the backline.
Meanwhile, Fijian Drua’s winger Waqa Nalaga has expressed his gratitude to the franchise for believing in him and giving him the opportunity to showcase his talents.
Nalaga delivered an impressive performance, scoring two tries in their 40-19 win against the Melbourne Rebels over the weekend in Lautoka.
He also conveyed his thanks to his supportive family and the fans who consistently show up for the team, no matter what.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and I am grateful to my teammate for backing me up and for always trusting me out there to do what I can do and I look forward to coming back this week and get a dubs again aye.”
Nalaga, Livai Natave, Mesake Vocevoce, Leone Rotuisolia, Kitione Salawa, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Kemu Valetini and Emosi Tuqiri will play their first-ever Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal this week.
The Drua and Blues will clash at 7.05pm at Eden Park.
