Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Head Coach Mick Byrne has named his matchday squad for round 9 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific match against the Chiefs, and it includes some notable additions.
Kalione Nasoko, who won a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will be making his first appearance in the Drua colours after being sidelined by injuries during the club’s inaugural season last year. Nasoko will start off the bench, along with Chris Minimbi, who is making his first appearance this season. Additionally, Haereiti Hetet and Michael Naitokani have been promoted and will be making their first start this season.
Hetet will be starting at loosehead prop, while Naitokani will pair up with Apisalome Vota in the midfield.
One of the highlights of the match will be lock Isoa Nasilasila’s 20th appearance for the Drua, the most for any player in the club. The match will also mark the Drua’s first appearance in Hamilton, and they will be looking to avenge their loss to the Chiefs in their last meeting in 2022. The Chiefs narrowly won 35-34.
The game is scheduled to be played at the FMG Stadium in Hamilton and will kick off at 7.05pm FJT.
FIJIAN DRUA: 15 Selestino Ravutaumada, 14 Ilaisa Droasese, 13 Apisalome Vota, 12 Michael Naitokani, 11 Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 10 Teti Tela, 9 Peni Matawalu, 8 Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 7 Elia Canakaivata, 6 Joseva Tamani, 5 Leone Rotuisolia, 4 Isoa Nasilasila, 3 Samuela Tawake, 2 Tevita Ikanivere (c),1 Haereiti Hetet
Subs: Mesulame Dolokoto, , Livai Natave, Jone Tiko, Chris Minimbi, Rusiate Nasove, Philip Baselala, Kalione Nasoko, Kitione Taliga
