Drua coach to decide on Masi, Miramira ruled out due to injury

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Glen Jackson decides today on whether to play or rest star centre Iosefo Masi against the Hurricanes in the second round of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific on Saturday.

This was the gist of his interview with the media at the Drua homebase in Legalega, Nadi yesterday.

Masi recovered in time from a hamstring injury sustained during the Drua's pre-season match against the RFC Los Angeles in Lautoka on January 24.

He took the field against the ACT Brumbies in their Super Rugby Pacific opener and limped out of the field midway in the second half. However, Masi showed his brilliance when he set-up tries to Ponipate Loganimasi and Vuate Karawalevu.

"We were pretty lucky Masi just came off since he did not have enough game time and suffered cramps," Jackson said.

The no-nonsense coach is working on his centre partnership to counter the Hurricanes, who are expected to field All Black centre Billy Proctor.

Jackson is contemplating on playing former Racing 92 utility back Inia Tabuavou to deliver the goods at second-five eighth. That could mean resting Kemu Valetini and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre. Jackson said the squad is looking good at the moment.

He added that it's been an interesting year because of the long pre-season, with a lot of tough games as well.

"Our injury ward at the moment is pretty empty. We're close to getting a couple of superstars like Stino (Selestino Ravutaumada) back. So it'll be exciting to get them back."

Jackson said flanker turned lock Vilive Miramira is out for a few weeks due to an ankle injury. Miramira came in as a substitute for Leone Rotuisolia but had to leave the field a few minutes later. Blindside flanker Joseva Tamani moved to lock while Elia Canakaivata manned the No.6 spot and Isoa Tuwai was at No.8.

"Other than that, it's just a few bumps and bruises, so he's (Miramira) probably the only guy that we'll have to manage for the next few weeks."

The match kicks-off at 3.35pm at McLean Park in Napier, New Zealand.

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