Baselala gets another start this week while Ikanivere and Nasilasila reach 50 appearances each

Young Philip Baselala will get another start for Swire Shipping Fijian Drua this week against the Reds in round 16 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific after being named to start at halfback, while co-captain Tevita Ikanivere and lock Isoa Nasilasila will become the first players to make 50 Drua appearances.

Head coach Glen Jackson has named Ikanivere to start at hooker and Nasilasila at lock.

The Fijian Drua will play their 58th Super Rugby Pacific match this Saturday, meaning that Ikanivere and Nasilasila have only missed eight matches in 4 years.

In the starting 15, Haereiti Hetet will start at loosehead prop, Samuela Tawake is at tighthead prop, with captain Ikanivere at hooker.

Mesake Vocevoce and Nasilasila retain their place in the middle row, while Etonia Waqa will partner with Motikiai Murray at flanker.

Kitione Salawa starts at number 8.

Baselala will partner with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula at the halves while Taniela Rakuro retains his place on the left wing, with speedster Ponipate Loganimasi starting on the right wing.

Tuidraki Samusamuvodre will partner with Iosefo Masi in the midfield, and Selestino Ravutaumada will retain his place at fullback.

Zuriel Togiatama is the backup hooker, Peni Ravai at loosehead and Mesake Doge covering the tighthead prop position.

Joseva Tamani will provide cover for the locks, while the rampaging Elia Canakaivata will be the backup for the loose forward trio.

Simione Kuruvoli will cover for halfback, Inia Tabuavou will come off the bench this week to cover the centres, and Isikeli Rabitu completes the matchday 23 as backline utility.

The Fijian Drua will face the Reds at 9.35pm Saturday.

In other matches, the Highlanders will meet the Chiefs at 7.05pm this Friday, the Brumbies will meet the Crusaders at 9.35pm Friday, the Blues will face the Waratahs at 4.35pm Saturday, the Hurricanes will take on the Moana Pasifika at 7.05pm.

Drua vs Reds 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (c), 3. Samuela Tawake, 4. Mesake Vocevoce, 5. Isoa Nasilasila, 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Motikiai Murray, 8. Kitione Salawa, 9. Philip Baselala, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Taniela Rakuro, 12. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Ponipate Loganimasi, 15. Selestino Ravutaumada, 16. Zuriel Togitama, 17. Peni Ravai, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Joseva Tamani, 20. Elia Canakaivata, 21. Simione Kuruvoli, 22. Inia Tabuavou, 23. Isikeli Rabitu