Byrne's Speedsters to Face Nareki and Tavatavanawai
"They've got good experience, good players, who now have the set piece on their side. They're a more complete team and dangerous, and they'll be coming motivated.
Thursday 23 May 2024 | 01:29
It will be a clash of Fijian speedsters as the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua takes on Super Rugby sixth placed Highlanders on Sunday at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin.
While Drua head coach Mick Byrne retains Epeli Mamo and Selestina Ravutaumada on the wings, Highlanders have named Jona Nareki for jersey 11 and Timoci Tavatavanawai for number 14.
New Zealand-born Jacob Ratumaitavuki- Kneepkens at fullback is the third Fijian in the host side's last home game; with a bonus point taking some pressure off them in their final game against the Hurricanes.
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Assistant coach Kendrick Lynn is wary of what the Drua can do despite their away record.
"The Drua start well and can be in the hunt, and are a dangerous team," Lynn said.
"They've got one of the best scrums in the competition, statistically. Traditionally, you might think of Fijian teams as pure flair or off-the-cuff, but we know they've been coached well over these last few years. Eighteen of them have been in the Fijian World Cup squad.
"They've got good experience, good players, who now have the set piece on their side. They're a more complete team and dangerous, and they'll be coming motivated.
"When the game becomes unstructured, that's when they are their most dangerous."
Back with the Drua fold is Caleb Muntz who after helping the Flying Fijians record a historic first win over England had injured his knee on the eve of the Rugby World Cup in France last year.
The outside half has been undergoing a long rehabilitation programme this season.
Yesterday Bryne with eyes fixed on a quarter-final playoff retained his eight forwards from their Round 13 win against Queensland Reds.
Running on are Jone Koroiduadua, skipper Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Etonia Waqa, top tackler Kitione Salawa and Elia Canakaivata.
Injured Waqa Nalaga is resting with Kemu Valetini coming in his place. Three new faces on the bench are Zuriel Togiatama filling in for Mesu Dolokoto, Cirikitaveta is rested with Leone Rotuisolia and Muntz coming in after a long rest.
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