Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson has named an exciting lineup to take on the mighty Chiefs at Churchill Park in Lautoka this weekend.
Jackson has made a handful of changes to his starting lineup in both the forward and back positions.
For the front row, Haereiti Hetet maintains his spot at prop with Mesake Doge, with Zuriel Togiatama at hooker.
The trio will be partnered with Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila at the locks, where they will be joined by Etonia Waqa and Kitione Salawa at the flankers, leaving Meli Derenalagi at number eight.
Starting at halfback is Co-captain Frank Lomani, while Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula starts at flyhalf.
Former 7s rep Ponipate Loganimasi maintains his position at the wing, where he will be joined by Selestiono Ravutaumada, who will run out for the Drua for the first time this season.
Inia Tabuavou will play at inside center, with Tuidraki Samusamuvodre at the outside.
Meanwhile, Jackson has made an interesting change at fullback with Vuate Karawalevu.
At off the bench are Tevita Ikanivere, Emosi Tuqiri, Elia Canakaivata, and Peni Ravai covering for the forwards.
And for the backs are Taniela Rokuro covering for wing, Motikiai Murray is covering for the two flankers, Simione Kuruvoli for halfback, and Isikeli Rabitu for fullback.
The Drua will face the Chiefs at 3.35pm.
Meanwhile, Fijian Drua Women’s squad for this Saturday’s crunch match against the Queensland Reds Women will feature two pairs of sisters in the matchday 23.
Karalaini Naisewa and Keleni Marawa will be joined by Salaseini Railumu and Setaita Railumu, with Setaita making one of four changes to the bench.
The Drua, coming off a strong Round 1 victory over defending champion Waratahs, have maintained the same starting lineup.
In the starting 15, prop Salanieta Nabuli will start at loosehead, with captain Vika Matarugu at tighthead prop. Keleni Marawa will start at hooker.
In the middle row, Round 1’s Tropik Wood Top Tackler Mereoni Nakesa partners Asinate Serevi. Rookie flankers Alfreda Fisher and Salaseini Railumu retain their blindside and openside flanker positions respectively after impressing in their debuts last week. Naisewa starts at number 8.
In the backline, Kolora Lomani will start at halfback, partnering Salanieta Kinita at flyhalf.
Tough tackling Alowesi Nakoci retains her spot on the left wing with Repeka Tove on the right wing.
Josivini Naihamu starts at inside centre with vice-captain Vitalina Naikore outside her.
Luisa Tisolo completes the starting line-up at fullback.
On the bench, Rawaqa has named Loraini Senivutu as backup hooker, Ana Korovata will cover the loosehead prop role with Tiana Robanakadavu as backup tighthead.
Merevesi Ofakimalino makes a welcome return to Super Rugby W after two years, to cover the locks.
Nunia Daunimoala returns from injury as backup for the loose forward trio.
Setaita Railumu will cover halfback with Litiana Vueti covering flyhalf. Merewairita Neivosa covers the rest of the backline.
The Fijian Drua Women hosts the Reds this Saturday at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The match kicks off at 1.05 pm.
