Fijian Drua coach Glan Jackson has made two changes to the matchday 23 ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Queensland Reds at Churchill Park. Zuriel Togiatama is back after missing last weekend’s win over the ACT Brumbies, while Inia Tabuavou has been selected on the bench.
Togiatama joins Haereiti Hetet and Mesake Doge in the front row, while Mesaka Vocevoce joins team vice-captain Isoa Vailasila in the second row. Etonia Waqa starts at blindside flanker, with Kitione Salawa and Elisa Canakaivata also named in the loose forwards.
Frank Lomani will captain the side from scrum-half, linking up with in-form playmaker Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula. Those two will look to provide quick ball to the exciting midfield pairing of Isikeli Rabitu and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.
Olympic silver medallists Ponipate Loganimasi and Joji Nasova will line up on a wing each, while Ilaisa Droasese brings experience and X-Factor as a reliable option at fullback. Jackson has gone with a 6-2 split, with Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and Tabuavou providing backline cover.
The Drua are searching for their third win a row after beating the Hurricanes 25-20 at Churchill Park on February 28, before getting the better of the Brumbies 42-27 last time out in Ba. That was the first time the Drua had ever beaten the Brumbies as well.
This weekend’s clash with the Reds at Lautoka’s Churchill Park will get underway at 3:30 pm FJT on Saturday afternoon.
Head-to-Head
Last 5 Meetings
Average Points scored
Fijian Drua to take on Queensland Reds
1. Haereiti Hetet
2. Zuriel Togiatama
3. Mesake Doge
4. Mesake Vocevoce
5. Isoa Nasilasila (VC)
6. Etonia Waqa
7. Kitione Salawa
8. Elia Canakaivata
9. Frank Lomani (C)
- Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
- Ponipate Loganimasi
- Isikeli Rabitu
- Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (VC)
- Joji Nasova
- Ilaisa Droasese
- Sairusi Ravudi
- Peni Ravai
- Samuela Tawake
- Vilive Miramira
- Isoa Tuwai
- Motikiai Murray
- Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
- Inia Tabuavou
