The Swire Shipping Fijian Drua has named robust centre Iosefo Masi and powerhouse loose forward Vilive Miramira in its 23-member squad as they gear up to take on the Brumbies this Friday.
Masi and Miramira return from injury as the Drua chase their first-ever win in the Australian capital on Friday night.
Drua Head Coach Glen Jackson has rotated the squad from last week, reshuffling the back row and midfield while opting for a 6–2 split on the bench.
In the starting 15, Haereiti Hetet will start at loosehead prop, Mesake Doge at tighthead and Zuriel Togiatama at hooker, while in the middle row, Mesake Vocevoce will partner with Isoa Nasilasila.
After an impressive outing last week, Meli Derenalagi moves to blindside flanker with young Motikiai Murray at openside and Elia Canakaivata starting at number 8.
In the backline, co-captain Frank Lomani and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula retain their places at halfback and flyhalf respectively.
Last week’s Home Basics Player of the Match Ponipate Loganimasi keeps his spot on the left wing, while fan-favorite Selestino Ravutaumada starts on the right wing.
Tuidraki Samusamuvodre shifts to inside centre to accommodate Masi, who returns to the outside centre position and Karawalevu retains his place at fullback.
On the bench, co-captain Tevita Ikanivere will cover hooker, with Emosi Tuqiri at loosehead and Samu Tawake at tighthead prop.
The versatile Vilive Miramira will cover the locks, while Etonia Waqa and Isoa Tuwai will provide reinforcement against a powerful Brumbies forward pack as loose forwards.
Simi Kuruvoli and Isikeli Rabitu will cover the backline.
The Fijian Drua will face the Brumbies at 8.35pm this Friday at GIO Stadium, Canberra.
In other matches this week, the Highlanders will play the Hurricanes at 6.05pm on Friday, the Crusaders will take on the Western Force at 3.35pm on Saturday, the Chiefs will battle the Blues at 6.05pm on Saturday, and the Reds will play the Waratahs at 8.35pm on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s side will play the Brumbies Women at 3.35pm on Saturday at Churchill Park, Lautoka.
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