Nagusa back at the helm for Fijian Drua Super Rugby Pacific finale

Fijian Drua coach Mick Byrne has named his match-day squad for the Fijian franchise’s final matchup against the Chiefs at Lautoka’s Churchill Park on Saturday.

The front row trio for the big clash consists of Haereiti Hetet (1) at loosehead prop, Zuriel Togiatama (2) at hooker and Kaliopasi Uluilakepa (3) at tighthead. Isoa Nasilasila (4) will partner Viliame Rarasea (5) in the second row, while the backrow has Joseva Tamani (6) at blindside flanker, and Rusiate Nasove at openside.

and captain Nemani Nagusa as the number 8 loose forward.

The halves combination for the match will be Frank Lomani (9) and Teti Tela (10), and the powerful centre combination of Kalaveti Ravouvou (12) and Apisalome Vota (13) returns. The exciting Vinaya Habosi (11) is back for this match on the left wing, partnering Ilaisa Droasese who is on the right wing (14) with the hot stepping Kitione Taliga (15) at fullback.

Impact of the bench for the Drua’s season finale will in the form of Tevita Ikanivere (16), Timoci Sauvoli (17) and Manasa Saulo (18) for the front row, Chris Minimbi (19) for the second row and the versatile Mesulame Dolokoto (20) covering the back row. Peni Matawalu (21) is the back-up halfback, alongside Caleb Muntz (22) and Onisi Ratave (23) covering the outside backs.

Byrne said: “It’s a great opportunity to play our last game at home. The home fans have been watching us play the whole year away; we had a chance to come to Suva and now we have a chance to come to the West to play in Lautoka. This gives the West fans an opportunity to come watch their team. No doubt there will be fans coming from Suva and other parts of the country, which is very exciting for us.”

“It’s also a great opportunity for us to play another New Zealand team. The Chiefs have a lot of play for; they’re playing for a home final and we’ve got a lot of play for as well. We’re looking forward to showing our home fans what it means for the players to play for the Drua.”

The match is scheduled for a 3pm kick-off.