Ikanivere to start at hooker while Derenalagi returns at no.8 for clash against Rebels

The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has named a formidable side that will take on the Melbourne Rebels in Round 7 of Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific with Tevita Ikanivere cleared to play and will start at hooker while captain Meli Derenalagi returns at number 8.

Head Coach Mick Byrne has retained his front-row combination of Haereiti Hetet, Ikanivere and Mesake Doge while Mesake Vocevoce and Leone Rotuisolia remain at locks.

Vilive Miramira returns to the starting line-up at blindside flanker, replacing the injured Etonia Waqa, while Kitione Salawa starts at openside flanker and Derenalagi starts at number 8.

Frank Lomani will again partner with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula in the halves.

Epeli Momo gets another start on the left wing with Selestino Ravutaumada on the right wing.

Apisalome Vota retains his place at inside centre, with Iosefo Masi outside him and Ilaisa Droasese completes the starting 15 at fullback.

The Drua will take on the Rebels at 8.35pm Friday.

In other matches, the Blues will meet the Force at 6.05pm Friday, the Chiefs will meet Moana Pasifika at 6.05pm Saturday, and the Brumbies will play the Waratahs at 8.35pm Saturday.

First 15 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Tevita Ikanivere, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Mesake Vocevoce, 5. Leone Rotuisolia, 6. Vilive Miramira, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Meli Derenalagi (c), 9. Frank Lomani, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Epeli Momo, 12. Apisalome Vota, 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Selestino Ravutaumada, 15. Ilaisa Droasese

Impact 16. Zuriel Togiatama, 17. Livai Natave, 18. Jone Koroiduadua, 19. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 20. Elia Canakaivata, 21. Simione Kuruvoli, 22. Waqa Nalaga, 23. Taniela Rakuro