Fijian Drua

TICKETS

TAWAKE HITS 50, TEMO RETURNS TO FACE BRUMBIES

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua prop Samuela Tawake will mark a major milestone when he runs out against the Brumbies this Saturday, as he becomes the third player to make 50 Drua appearances. Head Coach Glen Jackson has named him to start at tighthead prop in the Round 10 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific at GIO Stadium in Canberra.

This week’s matchday 23 also welcomes co-captain Temo Mayanavanua, who returns after a six-week injury layoff. Hooker Kavaia Tagivetaua also makes his return from injury to take his place on the bench.

In the starting 15, Emosi Tuqiri (1) gets his first start of the season at loosehead prop with Tawake (3) at tighthead and Zuriel Togiatama (2) at hooker.

Isoa Nasilasila (4) will start at lock partnering Mayanavanua (5) in the middle row. Loose forward Etonia Waqa (6) starts at blindside flanker position with Kitione Salawa (7) to start at openside. Isoa Tuwai (8) will start as number 8 loose forward.

In the backline, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa (9) retains his place at halfback, partnering Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (10) who is at flyhalf. Manasa Mataele (11) will start on the left wing with Isikeli Basiyalo (14) taking his place on the right wing. Last week’s Home Basics Player of the Match Virimi Vakatawa (12) retains his place at inside centre with Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (13) to start outside him. The highly impressive Isikeli Rabitu (15) is at fullback.

For bench impact this week, returning to the matchday 23, Kavaia Tagivetaua (16) is the backup hooker. Last week’s try-scoring hero Penaia Cakobau (17) is on the bench at loosehead prop, a position he performed admirably against the Western Force. Mesake Doge (18) covers the tighthead prop position.

Mesake Vocevoce (19) will provide cover for the locks while Joseva Tamani (20) backs up the loose forward trio. Simione Kuruvoli (21) will cover halfback. Kemu Valetini (22) will come off the bench this week to cover the centres. Inia Tabuavou (23) completes matchday squad as backline utility.

SWIRE SHIPPING FIJIAN DRUA MATCH DAY 23 SQUAD

  1. Emosi Tuqiri
  2. Zuriel Togiatama
  3. Samuela Tawake
  4. Isoa Nasilasila
  5. Temo Mayanavanua (c)
  6. Etonia Waqa
  7. Kitione Salawa
  8. Isoa Tuwai
  9. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa
  10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
  11. Manasa Mataele
  12. Virimi Vakatawa
  13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
  14. Isikeli Basiyalo
  15. Isikeli Rabitu
  1. Kavaia Tagivetaua
  2. Penaia Cakobau
  3. Mesake Doge
  4. Mesake Vocevoce
  5. Joseva Tamani
  6. Simione Kuruvoli
  7. Kemu Valetini
  8. Inia Tabuavou

ASPEN MEDICAL INJURY WARD

Meli Tuni (Knee)
Haereiti Hetet (Back)
Frank Lomani (Knee)
Ponipate Loganimasi (Arm)
Motikiai Murray (Arm)
Epeli Momo (Knee)