Fijian Drua development flanker Motikiai Murray, who this week was named to captain the Fiji U20 team to the World Rugby Championship in South Africa later this month, will make his debut for the Fijian Super Rugby Pacific club after being named to start in the quarterfinal clash against Crusaders this Saturday.
Murray starts at openside alongside Vilive Miramira at the expense of France-bound Joseva Tamani who is out injured, in the notable change from the line-up that defeated the Reds 41-17 at the HFC Stadium in Suva last week.
Holding their positions in the front row are Haereiti Hetet (1) at loosehead prop, Mesake Doge (3) at tighthead, and Tevita Ikanivere (2) as starting hooker. A change to the second row sees Isoa Nasilasila (4) this week partner with the returning Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta (5). Captain Meli Derenalagi (8) starts at the back of the scrum.
Frank Lomani, who will be playing his 45th Super Rugby match this weekend, make-up the halves combo with Caleb Muntz again whilst Kalaveti Ravouvou (11) stays on the left wing to partner with Selestino Ravutaumada (14) who moves back to the right wing. Teti Tela (12) pair up again with Iosefo Masi (13) in the midfield. Ilaisa Droasese (15) returns at fullback.
The Drua will battle defending Super Rugby Champions, the Crusaders at 7 at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch this Saturday at 7.05pm (Fiji Time).
STARTING 15
Haereiti Hetet
Tevita Ikanivere
Mesake Doge
Isoa Nasilasila
Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
Vilive Miramira
Motikiai Murray*
Meli Derenalagi (c)
Frank Lomani
Caleb Muntz
Kalaveti Ravouvou
Teti Tela
Iosefo Masi
Selestino Ravutaumada
Ilaisa Droasese
IMPACT:
Zuriel Togiatama
Meli Tuni
Samuela Tawake
Etonia Waqa
Elia Canakaivata
Peni Matawalu
Michael Naitokani
Eroni Sau
