Familiar faces have taken center stage in the match-day 23 lineup for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua as they prepare for their second clash in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific against the Waratahs tomorrow. Unlike their previous game where several new signings stood out, the Drua has kept changes to a minimum, with co-captain Temo Mayanavanua being the only new addition to the starting lineup.
Half-back Issak Fines-Leleiwasa and the versatile Manasa Mataele will contribute as impact players, while Kavaia Tagivetaua is set to make his debut with a place on the bench. In the starting fifteen, Joseva Tamani and Motikiai Murray will take up positions on the flanks, while co-captain Frank Lomani will lead at half-back, supported by Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula as the fly-half.
Inside centre Isikeli Rabitu, who recently signed a contract extension until 2028, is also part of the starting lineup. Meanwhile, Taniela Rakuro will take on the left wing position. This matchup marks the Drua’s first away game of the season following their home opener at Churchill Park in Lautoka, where they faced a setback against Moana Pasifika with a scoreline of 26-40.
The Fijian Drua will be facing the Waratahs at 8:30 PM at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Australia, as they aim to bounce back from their earlier defeat.
The team’s starting lineup features:
1-Haereiti Hetet, 2-Zuriel Togiatama, 3-Mesake Doge, 4-Isoa Nasilasila, 5-Temo Mayanavanua, 6-Joseva Tamani, 7-Motikiai Murray, 8-Elia Canakaivata, 9-Frank Lomani, 10-Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11-Taniela Rakuro, 12-Isikeli Rabitu, 13-Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14-Ponipate Loganimasi, 15-Ilaisa Droasese.
The impact players include: 16-Kavaia Tagivetaua, 17-Peni Ravai, 18-Samuela Tawake, 19-Mesake Vocevoce, 20-Kitione Salawa, 21-Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, 22-Inia Tabuavou, 23-Manasa Mataele.
With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, the Drua are determined to turn their fortunes around in this exciting contest against a formidable opponent.
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