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23 March, 2026, 5:43 am
Central - 23°C Rain
23 March, 2026, 5:43 am Central - 23°C Rain

Nalaga to make first start this season against the Reds

Nalaga to make first start this season against the Reds

By Navitalai Naivalurua
15/05/2024
Photo: Fijian Drua

20-year-old Waqa Nalaga will make his first start for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua for their Round 13 Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific match against the Reds this Saturday.

Coach Mick Byrne has made a few changes to his starting line-up with Jone Koroiduadua returning from suspension to start at loosehead prop, and he will be teaming up with captain Tevita Ikanivere at hooker with Mesake Doge at tighthead prop.

Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila retain their position at locks.

Etonia Waqa comes in to partner Kitione Salawa on the flanks with Elia Canakaivata starting at number 8.

Simione Kuruvoli will partner with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula in the halves and Waqa Nalaga will team up with Iosefo Masi in the centres.

The back three are made up of Epeli Momo, Selestino Ravutaumada and Ilaisa Droasese.

The Drua will host the Reds at 2.05pm Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium.

In other games, the Hurricanes will take on Moana Pasifika at 7.05pm Friday, the Rebels will host the Chiefs at 9.35pm Friday, the Brumbies will play the Crusaders at 4.35pm Saturday, the Blues will battle the Highlanders at 7.05pm Saturday and the Force will host the Waratahs at 9.35pm Saturday.

First 15 1. Jone Koroiduadua, 2. Tevita Ikanivere ©, 3. Mesake Doge, 4. Mesake Vocevoce, 5. Isoa Nasilasila, 6. Etonia Waqa, 7. Kitione Salawa, 8. Elia Canakaivata, 9. Simi Kuruvoli, 10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 11. Epeli Momo, 12. Waqa Nalaga, 13. Iosefo Masi, 14. Selestino Ravutaumada, 15. Ilaisa Droasese

Impact 16. Mesulame Dolokoto, 17. Emosi Tuqiri, 18. Samu Tawake, 19. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, 20. Vilive Miramira, 21. Peni Matawalu, 22. Kemu Valetini, 23. Taniela Rakuro


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