Powerful runner Frank Lomani gets a start this Saturday at halfback, partnering Tela who retains his flyhalf position.

In releasing the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua line-up yesterday to take on Western Force in their fifth Super Rugby Pacific match, head coach Mick Byrne retained last week’s front row of Kaliopasi Uluilakepa, Mesulame Dolokoto at hooker, and Samuela Tawake.

Sorovakatini Tuifagalele makes the starting line-up for the first time and will partner Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta at locks. Jovesa Tamani starts at blindside flanker this week, with Vilive Miramira retaining his openside flanker role.

Captain Nemani Nagusa makes a return as number 8 loose forward.

Kalaveti Ravouvou starts at inside centre alongside outside centre Apisalome Vota, who leads the competition in defenders beaten after four rounds.

Vinaya Habosi and Selestino Ravutaumada are on the wings, and young Jona Mataiciwa gets his first start at fullback.

The replacements see Zuriel Togiatama, Jone Koroiduadua and Manasa Saulo as front row cover. Chris Minimbi is in line for a potential debut after being named in the matchday for the first time. Kitione Salawa also makes a return to the squad as reserve flanker. Peni Matawalu, Napolioni Bolaca and Onisi Ratave complete the match-day squad.

Byrne said: We are looking forward to our next challenge as we build into Super Rugby. We are also looking forward to playing in Sydney in front of our loyal Fijian fans.

The match kicks off at 2.35pm.

Drua’s plan against Force

Coach Byrne has mapped out a plan to outsmart an improved Western-Force side this Saturday.

Watch the Fijian Drua add a bit of physicality in the first minutes of the game, the game plan is to swing the match to their advantage when they host the Western Force at Leichhardt Oval, Sydney.

On the Super Rugby Pacific table, the Western Force are sitting on eighth place while the Fijian Drua are behind them on ninth spot.

Speaking to SUNsports, Bryne said his men have been working on a good start.

Our aim is to get the score board ticking over in the first 20 minutes, Bryne said.

The physicality that we are bringing in that first 15-20 minutes is very important. It is important that we get physical at the start.

We have talked about that many times-our being fit enough to play the full 80 minutes.

“The pace of the game is fast, the pace of the break-down, tackles and passing; everything come at a quick pace. We have talked about trying to start off at a good start. The main thing for us is to make sure that we carry the ball strong at the start.

We need to meet the Force’s physically and gain confidence in playing the full 80 minutes of fast paced Super Rugby; something we have always been working on.

He added that they needed to work hard to raise the bar after their fourth match.

It is early days, four games down – if we can have some more victories the next couple of weeks that will change things around, he said.

We will go from ninth to seventh so at the moment there are a lot changes around one or two victories.