In a surprise move, Fiji Airways Fijian Drua head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has moved first five-eight Caleb Muntz to fullback against Canberra Vikings in tomorrow’s National Rugby Championship’s semi-final.

Seruvakula said he has confidence in his young team that they are going to give their all in trying to make the final.

“13 players are going to experience playing in their first NRC playoffs,” he said.

“We are taking one of the youngest teams in the competition and will carry the underdog tag against a tough opponent in the Vikings.

“This Drua team is still a development squad as we have been filling in the vacuum left by our experienced players, but they’ve got plenty of fight in them.

“I have trust in this set of players, they have done the job, this year by reaching the last four and I hope we can maintain our performance in the weekend.”

No major changes to the forward pack with Ulaiasi Lawavou in at 6 replacing Filimoni Seru who received a three-match suspension following a late challenge against Queensland Country.

In the backs, Juita Wainiqolo shifts to left-wing with Levani Kurimudu on the right.

Muntz gets his biggest start at full-back replacing Apisalome Waqatabu, who is unavailable for the match.

Peni Matawalu, who was concussed in a try-saving tackle at Lawaqa Park last week, has been declared fit and will partner Enele Malele at the halves while Serupepeli Vularika and Cyril Reece maintain their midfield combination.

Seruvakula said the Vikings will come out all guns blazing at home.

“We need to be very careful on our approach, the players need to do the basics right, capitalize on the chances given and have the discipline for the whole 80 minutes,” he said.

The match kicks-off at 4pm

LINE-UP

Drua- 1. Joeli Veitayaki, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Penijamini Makutu, 4.Tevita Naqali, 5. Peni Naulago, 6. Ulaiasi Lawavou, 7. Johnny Dyer, 8. Eremasi Radrodro, 9. Peni Matawalu, 10. Enele Malele, 11. Jiuta Wainiqolo, 12. Serupepeli Vularika, 13. Cyril Reece, 14. Levani Kurumudu, 15. Caleb Muntz

Reserves: 16. Ratunaisa Navuma, 17. Timoci Sauvoli, 18. Jone Koroi, 19. Epeli Radaniva, 20. Rusiate Nasove, 21. Osea Waqa, 22. Ifereimi Tovilevu, 23. Nacanieli Narekuva

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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