Meli Derenalagi returns as captain to a matchday 23 that features two potential debutants and a number of firsts in the starting 15 for the game against the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium this Saturday.
Haereiti Hetet (1) is at loosehead prop for this match in the starting 15, alongside Mesulame Dolokoto (2) athooker and Samuela Tawake (3) at tighthead.
A new lock combination sees Viliame Rarasea (4) partnering Chris Minimbi (5), with both players also getting their first 15 starts this season.
The backrow sees Joseva Tamani (6) starting at blindside flanker, Vilive Miramira (7) at openside and captain Meli Derenalagi as number 8 loose forward.
Frank Lomani (9) starts at halfback, with Teti Tela (10), the second highest points scorer this season, at flyhalf.
The midfield combination sees Tuidraki Samusamuvodre(12) move to inside centre this week, partnering Apisalome Vota (13) who returns to his outside centre role.
Vinaya Habosi (11) starts his 8th straight match on the left wing, with Selestino Ravutaumada (14) on the right wing and Kitione Ratu (15) at fullback.
The replacement front row this week consists of Tevita Ikanivere (16), Timoci Sauvoli (17) and potential debutant Jone Tiko (18). Lock Isoa Nasilasila (19) also adds impact on the bench alongside another potential debutant, former Fiji U20 captain Raikabula Momoedonu (20). Rusiate Nasove (21), who scored a try last week also makes the matchday squad this week, alongside thereturning Simione Kuruvoli (22). Utility back NapolioniBolaca (23) rounds out the bench.
Head Coach Mick Byrne said: “This week we welcome the Brumbies to Queensland. We are looking for a more disciplined game; we are preparing ourselves for a team looking to step up after their loss last week. We feel the same and are looking forward to a physical encounter up front.”
The match kicks off at 7.45pm (local time) at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.
Round 8 vs Brumbies
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Matchday 231. Haereiti Hetet2. Mesulame Dolokoto3. Samuela Tawake4. Viliame Rarasea5. Chris Minimbi6. Joseva Tamani7. Vilive Miramira8. Meli Derenalagi (c)9. Frank Lomani10. Teti Tela11. Vinaya Habosi12. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre13. Apisalome Vota14. Selestino Ravutaumada15. Kitione Ratu16. Tevita Ikanivere17. Timoci Sauvoli18. Jone Tiko*19. Isoa Nasilasila20. Raikabula Momoedonu*21. Rusiate Nasove22. Simione Kuruvoli23. Napolioni Bolaca
