Drua Banks on Forwards
The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua is going to take the heavier Melbourne Rebels forwards head on in a must-win Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash at Lautoka’s Churchill Park this Saturday. The Drua needs the win to cement their play-off spot; Rebels have already qualified.
In naming his squad Drua head coach Mick Byrne has taken the risk to have six forwards on the reserve bench along with two backline players.
He made a similar move in the Drua’s 24-17 win over Moana Pasifika in Lautoka last month.
Byrne has recalled burly lock Leone Rotuisolia to start and partner Mesake Vocevoce.
Rotuisolia thrives in the thick of things and a strong tackler while on the bench is seasoned campaigner Isoa Nasilasila who is going to come in as an impact player. The Rebels have started with their locking duo of Lautoka-born Angelo Smith and Josh Canham.
Captain Meli Derenalagi has returned to No.8 and should come in handy during the lineouts and also provide an added thrust with his carries.
The front row sees the return of loosehead prop Haereiti Hetet to partner Mesake Doge with Tevita Ikanivere at hooker.
They go head on with the Rebels who have named Taniela Tupou to start along with hooker Jordan Uelese and Isaac Kailea. Coming off the bench is seasoned campaigners Rebels captain and prop Sam Talakai along with powerhouse forward Ethan Dobbins.
Halfback Frank Lomani returns after his six weeks suspension.
Apart from Nasilasila, Byrne has also named forwards Livai Natave, Zuriel Togiatama, Samu Tawake, Motikai Murray and Elia Canakaivata on the reserves. The backline players are Simione Kuruvoli and Caleb Muntz.
The match kicks-off at 2.05pm.
LINE-UPS DRUA (1-15):
Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi
(c), Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula,
Waqa Nalaga, Kemu Valetini, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese,
Reserves: Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Samu Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Motikiai Murray, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Caleb Muntz
REBELS (1-15): Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese,
Taniela Tupou, Angelo Smith, Josh
Canham, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin,
Rob Leota (c), Ryan Louwrens,
Carter Gordon, Darby Lancaster,
David Feiluai, Nick Jooste,
Filipo Daugunu, Andrew
Kellaway, Mason Gordon.
Reserves: Ethan Dobbins,
Matt Gibbon, Sam
Talakai, Tuaina Taii
Tualima, Maciu
Nabolakasi, James
Tuttle, David
Vaihu, Jake
Strachan.
leonec@fijisun. com.fj