It is going to be a baptism of fire for eight Swire Shipping Fijian Drua local players when they take on Rebels in a warm-up match at the Harlequin Rugby Club ground in Ashwood, Mel­bourne, at 6pm today.

This will be an opportunity for them to impress head coach Mick Bryne to secure a spot in the Fi­jians’ debut Super Rugby match against New South Wales Wara­tahs next Friday at the CommBank Stadium, Parramatta.

The match is going to be played over a three sets of 30-minutes per set.

In the opposition are two Fijians players Moses Sorovi and Ilikena Vudogo.

The Rebels are expected to field a strong side with Carter Gordon and Wallabies fullback Reece Hodge who will spark the home side.

Local-based Nadroga prop Jone Koroiduadua starts at tight head prop, youngster Tevita Ikanivere starts at hooker with fellow Suva team-mate and Olympian Meli Der­enalagi at the blind side flanker while rookie Kitione Salawa is the open side flanker.

The Drua backline will be orches­trated by Tailevu scrum half Simi­one Kuruvoli, at inside centre with hard running Namosi second five eighth Kalaveti Ravouvou pairing up with robust Suva outside centre Apisalome Vota.

In the reserves are Nadroga prop Timoci Sauvoli, Naitasiri lock Chris Minimbi, Nadroga loose for­ward Rusiate Nasove, Suva lock Tuifagalele Sorovakatini, Nadi loose forward Vilive Miramira Na­mosi scrum half Peni Matawalu, Suva inside centre Serupepeli Vularika, Yasawa first-five eighth Napolioni Bolaca, Suva scrum-half Leone Nawai will certainly get their chance to impress coach Bryne.

The Fijian Drua left for Mel­bourne yesterday.

Missing from the squad due to in­jury are Kalione Nasoko, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Alivereti Veito­kani and Teti Tela.

Players that miss out on selec­tion today include Flying Fijians prop Haereti Hetet, Kaliopasi Ul­uilakepa, Zuriel Togiatama, Rai­kabula Momoedonu and Kitione Taliga.

The Rebels were established in 2010. Twelve years down the lane they get to face the Fijian outfit, who are anticipating a grand debut this season.

Feedback: simione.haravanua@fijisun.com.fj