Ciri’s Super Dream

Lock forward Te Ahiwa­ru Cirikidaveta has ac­complished his Super Rugby dream.

The 23-year-old pencilled his name on the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua side that will take on the NSW Waratahs in their debut Super Rugby Pa­cific match tomorrow even­ing at the CommBank Sta­dium in Parramatta, Sydney.

The aggressive ball runner, Cirikidaveta at Number 5 is the bolt that will beef up the tight-five.

The tight-five include Jone Koroiduadua, Tevita Ikani­vere, Samu Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila and Cirikidaveta.

He was with the Crusaders extended squad last season.

He grew up in Te Araroa on the East Coast of New Zea­land and has Maori and Fi­jian heritage.

He had helped the Tasman Mako win the Premiership title in 2019 and 2020.

Fijian Drua coach Mick Byrne, in naming the side, retained 14 of his first start­ers in their warm-up match against Melbourne Rebels last Thursday.

Jone Koroiduadua partners, Samu Tawake upfront and Te­vita Ikanivere at hooker.

Isoa Nasilasila pair with Cirikidaveta at locks while captain Nemani Nagusa will be at number eight.

Olympic gold medallist and sevens captain Meli Der­enalagi retains his Number 6 jumper with fellow Nadi native Kitione Salawa of Na­motomoto at the openside.

Simione Kuruvoli is at half­back while lone Super Rugby experience Baden Kerr is at flyhalf.

Kalaveti Ravouvou and Apisalome Vota form the midfield combination with Vinaya Habosi, Kitione Ratu and Selestino Ravutaumada as the back three.

The Fijian Drua take on the Waratahs at 8:45pm to­morrow; you can watch the match live and free on FBC Sports channel on Walesi.

Feedback: karalaini.waqanidrola@fijisun.com.fj