Seven changes have been made in the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua match day 23 squad to take on the Waratahs in round 5 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific in Lautoka that will see the return from injury of mobile loose-forward Kitione Salawa, who will start off the bench.
The squad also sees the return of hooker Tevita Ikanivere, prop Mesake Doge, halfback Frank Lomani and centre Apisalome Vota who will all start this weekend.
Winger Taniela Rakuro has earned himself his first start of the season on the left wing, while Epeli Momo will be on the bench.
Coach Mick Byrne will be looking to achieve the game plan he has set out for the team this week, and that is to be able to play on both sides of the ruck.
The team will be out to secure their first-ever win over the Waratahs since joining the competition and also defend their home turf again.
The team to play the Waratahs: Starting XV: Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere, Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi ©, Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Taniela Rakuro, Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada and Ilaisa Droasese.
Reserves: Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Kitione Salawa, Peni Matawalu, Kemueli Valetini and Epeli Momo.
The Drua will take on the Waratahs at 1.05pm at Churchill Park.
In other Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific matches this weekend, the Hurricanes will host the Rebels at 6.05pm Friday, the Brumbies will take on Moana Pasifika at 8.35pm Friday, the Chiefs will take on the Highlanders at 3.35pm Saturday, the Blues will play the Crusaders at 6.05pm Saturday, and Western Force will take on the Reds at 8.35pm Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women will also play the Waratahs Women at 3.35pm at Churchill Park in round 2 of the Super Rugby Women’s competition.
