Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Head Coach Mick Byrne has made six changes to the run-on team that played the Queensland Reds last week for the side’s round five game against Western Force this week.
Of the changes, Byrne made four in the forwards and two in the backline for the match scheduled for 2.35pm (local time) this Saturday at Leichhardt Oval.
In the forwards, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta replace Isoa Nasilasila and Ratu Rotuisolia at lock. Joseva Tamani starts at blindside flanker in place of Meli Derenalagi. Round five sees the return of Nemani Nagusa at No.8 and captain.
In the only two changes in the backline, Frank Lomani and Jona Mataiciwa get their first start at scrumhalf and fullback respectively.
On the bench, Chris Minimbi is in line for a potential debut after making his first appearance in the 23-man squad.
The Force are eighth on the Super Rugby standings, ahead of the Drua at ninth. Like the Fijian Drua, they have a win from four games, also over Rebels, and have amassed seven points to the Drua’s five.
DRUA: 15 Jona Mataiciwa, 14 Selesitino Ravutaumada, 13 Apisalome Vota, 12 Kalaveti Ravouvou, 11 Vinaya Habosi, 10 Teti Tela, 9 Frank Lomani, 8 Nemani Nagusa (c ), 7 Vilive Miramira, 6 Joseva Tamani, 5 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 4 Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Mesulame Dolokoto, 1 Kaliopasi Uluilakepa
Reserves: Z Togiatama, J Koroiduadua, M Saulo, S Minimbi, K Salawa, P Matawalu, N Bolaca, O Ratave
