Trio answer Drua SOS ahead of Crusaders clash

Three players have answered SOS call to join the Fijian Drua squad in Christchurch, New Zealand, for Friday night's Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash against defending champions Crusaders.

It was confirmed to SUNsports yesterday that veteran utility backs Manasa Mataele and Sikeli Rabitu along with winger Joji Nasova have joined the team.

Also, a new captain will be named after Drua head coach Glen Jack son confirmed that co-captain Frank Lomani would be out for three weeks.

The other co-captain Temo Mayanavanua is also nursing a knee injury and will be out for some time.

It's understood that vice-captains Isoa Nasilasila or centre Tuidraki Samusamuvodre could lead the team. However veteran prop Mesake Doge and hooker Mesulame Dolokoto could be considered as they have also captained the Drua side last season.

Jackson has also confirmed that wingers Epeli Momo and Ponipate Loganimasi have been ruled out of the season due to injuries.

Momo has injured his other knee while Loganimasi broke his arm.

Former Crusaders and Chiefs winger Matale is expected to start along with Nasova.

"Obviously. Manasa is coming from the Crusaders and Chiefs- it's a good chance for him as he understands how they play" Jackson said.

"Manasa had a couple of injuries but now is 100 per cent clear:

"Then, Joji (Nasova) obviously played really well for us in the last few weeks. We gave Joji a rest just to give Momo a go against a big pack, so there's no concerns with who's coming in to replace those guys."

Philip Baselala who is travelling with the squad will step in to replace Lomani.

Jackson added that halfback Simione Kuruvoli is still recovering from injury.

"We were hoping that he'd be back for this week. He got a bit of a knock in a game a couple of weeks ago. He's still on the injured cloud. It was very close this week.

"Unfortunately, he's still in Fiji getting his rehab right. It would have been just too much to fly him over for this week."

Meanwhile, losefo Namoce is most likely to earn another start for the Drua against Crusaders.

Jackson said he was impressed with the Nakama, Macuata, native in last week's clash against the Blues at Eden Park.

Namoce was named Drua Player of the Match in their 15-40 loss to the Blues.

"It's hard not to play him, isn't it?

He was great on debut. I think he created a lot of line breaks and a lot of energy for such a young man coming into the squad. 

I thought the balance was important, that we don't just rush everyone in.

"It was the right time to give him a go and I think he really showed the quality that he's got. I look forward to seeing him doing it again this weekend."

The match kicks-off at 6.05pm.