Basiyalo’s super debut

Former Fiji men’s rugby 7s utility player Isikeli Basiyalo will makes his Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific debut against Western Force at Church-ill Park, Lautoka, on Saturday.

Drua head coach Glen Jackson named Basiyalo in the starting line-up where he partners Ilaisa Droasese on the wings.

A homegrown talent, Basiyalo is a product of the Fiji School Boys, Fiji Under-20 and the Drua Development system. He hails from Volivoli Village in Nadroga with maternal links to Nabukelevu-i-Ra in Kadavu.

Basiyalo has been a consistent performer for Nadroga in the Skipper Cup competition and was part of the Fiji Warriors in 2023. He also made his debut for the Fiji 7s team at las year’s Hong Kong tournament.

Jackson opted for a 6/2 split on the bench. On a brighter note, is the return of halfback Simione Kuruvoli from injury. He is named on the bench.

Jackson has moved Isikeli Rabitu to full-back while he maintains the centre partnership of Iosefo Namoce and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa is at halfback to face his former team while Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula is at 10.

Robust flanker Motikiai Murray gets to start openside with Etonia Waqa on the blindside while Elia Canakaivata is at No.8.

Last week’s locking partnership of Isoa Nasilasila and Joseva Tama-ni have been retained. Jackson has again preferred to start with props Haereiti Hetet and Mesake Doge with Zuriel Togiatama at hooker.

On the bench is hooker Mesulame Dolokoto with props Emosi Tuqirand Samuela Tawake. Mesake Vocevoce will cover for the locks. Kitione Salawa and Vilive Miramira have been named as back up loose forwards. Kuruvoli and Manasa Mataele will cover the backline.

LINE-UP:

Drua: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila (cc), 5. Joseva Tamani, 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Motikiai Murray, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Ilaisa Droasese, 12. Iosefo Namoce, 13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (cc), 14. Isikeli Basiyalo *, 15. Isikeli Rabitu.

Reserves: 16. Mesulame Dolokoto, 17. Emosi Tuqiri, 18. Samuela Tawake, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Kitione Salawa, 21. Vilive Miramira, 22. Simione Kuruvoli, 23. Manasa Mataele.

Force: 1. Sef Fa’agase, 2. Brandon Paenga-Amosa,

3. Misinale Epenisa, 4. Franco Molina, 5. Jeremy Williams (c), 6. Nick Champion de Crespigny, 7. Jack Daly, 8. Vaiolini Ekuasi, 9. Henry Robertson, 10. Ben Donaldson, 11. Dylan Pietsch, 12. Bayley Kuenzle, 13. Hamish Stewart, 14. George Bridge, 15. Mac Grealy.

Reserves: 16. Nic Dolly, 17. Marley Pearce, 18. Harry Johnson-Holmes, 19. Lopeti Faifua, 20. Will Harris, 21. Agustin Moyano, 22. Kurtley Beale, 23. Zac Lomax.

The match kicks-off at 4.35pm.