Fijivillage
24 February, 2026, 5:57 pm
Central - 25°C Rain
24 February, 2026, 5:57 pm Central - 25°C Rain

No Lomani and Ikanivere as Drua makes 9 changes for Chiefs clash

No Lomani and Ikanivere as Drua makes 9 changes for Chiefs clash

By Mosese Raqio
13/03/2024
Drua halfback Frank Lomani and livewire hooker Tevita Ikanivere

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua coach Mick Byrne has opted to rest experienced halfback Frank Lomani and livewire hooker Tevita Ikanivere as he made 9 changes to his match day 23 squad that will take on the Chiefs in the round 4 match of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific this weekend.

The forwards see 4 changes as Mesulame Dolokoto makes his first start of the season, while Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri and Samuela Tawake are named on the bench.

In the backline, halfback Simione Kuruvoli and winger Junior Ratuva will be making their first start of the season as well with Michael Naitokani to make his first appearance for the Drua this year.

Peni Matawalu and Taniela Rakuro, who is returning from injury, are the two backline changes on the bench.

Drua squad vs Chiefs:

Haereiti Hetet, Mesulame Dolokoto, Jone Koroiduadua, Mesake Vocevoce, Ratu Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Vilive Miramira, Ratu Meli Derenalagi, Simione Kuruvoli, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Junior Ratuva, Michael Naitokani, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada and Ilaisa Droasese.

Reserves:

Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini and Taniela Rakuro.

The Drua will take on the Chiefs at 6.30pm this Saturday in Waikato.

In other matches this weekend, the Crusaders will host the Hurricanes at 6.05pm Friday, the Rebels will play the Reds at 8.35pm Friday, Western Force will take on Moana Pasifika at 11pm Friday, the Highlanders will host the Brumbies at 3.35pm Saturday and the Waratahs will play the Blues 8.35pm Saturday. 


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