Three members of the extended Fiji Airways Flying Fijians are going to start for the Fijian Drua in their Australian National Rugby Championship (NRC) opener against Brisbane City at the Ashgrove Sports Ground in Australia, tonight.

They are loosehead prop Joeli Veitayaki, No.8 Johnny Dyer and halfback Serupepeli Vularika while Olympian Samisoni Viriviri is at fullback.

In a surprise move, Vodafone Fijian Under-20 captain, Tevita Ikanivere is at hooker while his U20 team-mates Caleb Muntz and Osea Waqa are on the bench.

Fiji Airways Fijian Drua head coach, Senirusi Seruvakula has retained 10 players from last year’s team that won the NRC.

He said they need to win their opening match in order to stay on track on their title defence campaign.

Playing at second five eight is Cyril Reece the older brother of All Blacks winger Sevu Reece while Levani Kurimudu is at wing.

Other members of the winning team Eroni Mawi, Mesulame Dolokoto, Mosese Voka, Frank Lomani and Alivereti Veitokani are in the Flying Fijians squad to play at the Rugby World Cup in Japan, next month.

Today’s match kicks-off at 7pm.
LINE-UP: 1. Joeli Veitayaki, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Mosese Ducivaki, 4. Tevita Naqali, 5. Necani Nawaqadau, 6. Eremasi Radrodro (C), 7. Jone Navori, 8. Johnny Dyer, 9. Seru Vularika (VC), 10. Peceli Nacebe, 11. Levani Kurimudu, 12. Cyril Reece, 13. Ifereimi Tovilevu, 14. Aporosa Tabulawaki, 15. Samisoni Viriviri.
Replacements: 16. Maikeli Sivo, 17. Immanuel Naciva, 18. Joseva Nasaroa, 19. Epeli Radaniva, 20. Ulaiasi Lawavou, 21. Joseva Kuricuva, 22. Caleb Muntz, 23. Osea Waqa

Edited by Osea Bola
Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj