Drua Coach Opts for 6 Forwards on Reserve Bench

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua is going to target the Moana Pasifika forwards in Saturday’s Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash at Churchill Park, Lautoka.

Drua head coach Mick Byrne took the risk of naming six forwards on the reserve bench with two backline players.

He demanded his players for a bonus point win over Moana Pasifika to keep their chances for a play-off spot alive.

For the first time Zuriel Togiatama starts at hooker while making his return from injury is blindside flanker Etonia Waqa and captain, Meli Derenalagi starts at No.8.

A new halves combination of halfback Peni Matawalu and rookie No.10 Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula. Also, starting on the wing is Taniela Rakuro in place of Epeli Momo.

The match kicks-off at 2.05pm.

DRUA: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Zuriel Togiatama, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Leone Rotuisolia, 6. Etonia Waga, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Meli Derenalagi (c), 9. Peni Matawalu, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Taniela Rakuro, 12. Apisalome Vota, 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Selestino Ravutaumada, 15. Ilaisa Droasese

RESERVES: 16. Mesu Dolokoto, 17. Livai Natave, 18. Samu Tawake, 19. Mesake Vocevoce, 20. Vilive Miramira, 21. Elia Canakaivata, 22. Simione Kuruvoli, 23. Michael Naitokani

PASIFIKA: 1. Abraham Pole, 2. Samiuela Moli, 3. Sione Mafileo, 4. Tom Savage, 5. Allan Craig, 6. Irie Papuni, 7. Jacob Norris, 8. Sione Havili Talitui (c), 9. Ereatara Enari, 10. William Havili, 11. Fine Inisi, 12. Julian Savea, 13. Henry Taefu. 14. Viliami Fine, 15. Danny Toala

RESERVES: 16. Sama Malolo, 17. Sateki Latu, 18. Sekope Kepu, 19. Ola Tauelangi, 20. Lotu Inisi, 21. Jonathan Taumateine, 22. Christian Lealiifano, 23. Neria Fomai

Match Officials

Referee: Graham Cooper; Assistant Referees: George Myers, James Palmer.

Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj