Swire Shipping Fijian Drua coach Mick Byrne has named his 23-men match day squad to face the NSW Waratahs this weekend with Flying Fijians Prop Mesake Doge expected to make a Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench.
Doge will return to competitive rugby after a long injury break and is expected to provide more firepower for the forwards against a much more experienced Waratahs forwards pack.
Byrne has retained the starting front row from last week in the form of Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere and Jone Koroiduadua.
Isoa Nasilasila and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta will again partner in the second row while Joseva Tamani and Vilive Miramira on the flanks with Captain Ratu Meli Derenalagi anchoring the scrum at number 8.
There will be a new halves combination this week with Peni Matawalu starting at halfback and Caleb Muntz donning the number 10 jersey.
Impressive winger Taniela Rakuro retains his spot on the left wing and will pair with Selestino Ravutaumada who is returning to the line up after missing last week’s game due to injury.
The insides combination of Kalaveti Ravouvou and Iosefo Masi has also been retained with Ilaisa Droasese at fullback.
The bench includes Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Doge, Etonia Waqa and Elia Canakaivata while young Philip Baselala, Kemueli Valetini and Apisalome Vota are also making their return to the match day 23 squad.
The Fijian Drua will face the Waratahs at 9.45pm Saturday.
