FIJIAN DRUA MAINTAIN BACKLINE IN FIERY PACIFIC BATTLE

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Super Round lineup against Moana Pasifika has been announced today, as the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific season heads into Round two in Melbourne against Moana Pasifika this Saturday. Head Coach Mick Byrne has maintained the front row and entire starting backline from last week. He has made one tactical change at lock and has brought new wing signing Junior Ratuva on to the bench.

The matchday 23 also sees the return of the Fiji’s Rugby World Cup hero Simione Kuruvoli for the first time in a Super Rugby Pacific match since 2022. Two Flying Fijians forwards Haereiti Hetet and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta also mark their return in season 2024 in what will be another fiery encounter between the two Pacific sides.   

Back to hold the front row is Livai Natave at loosehead prop, with last week’s Home Basics Drua Player of the Match Tevita Ikanivere at hooker, and Mesake Doge at tighthead. Young Mesake Vocevoce moves into the starting 15 in the second row to partner with Isoa Nasilasila, who starts his 29th match for the Fijian Drua. Etonia Waqa remains at blindside flanker with Elia Canakaivata on the openside. Captain Meli Derenalagi dons his usual number 8 jumper. 

The starting halves partnership of Frank Lomani (9) and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (10) has been retained, as has the wing pairing of Selestino Ravutaumada (left) and Epeli Momo (right). Apisalome Vota starts the match at inside centre with Iosefo Masi outside him. Isikeli Rabitu completes the starting 15 at fullback. 

On the bench, Mesulame Dolokoto will be the backup hooker. Flying Fijians prop Haereiti Hetet is back in a Drua jersey for the first time since last season’s quarter-final to cover at loosehead, with Jone Koroiduadua covering the tighthead prop position. The powerful Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta also marks his return to cover for the locks, with Vilive Miramira backing up for the loose forwards. Simione Kuruvoli returns to the playing group for the Drua to cover at halfback with Kemu Valetini covering flyhalf. The story of the matchday 23 though is the potential debut of Junior Ratuva, who is on the bench as back up winger. Ratuva, a recent signing, was recently in NRL’s NZ Warriors, and has also played in France’s Pro D2 competition for SAXV Chante.