Smith, Daugunu and Nabolakasi named in Rebels squad to face Drua

Three players with links to Fiji have been named in the Melbourne Rebels match day 23 squad to take on the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in the last round of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific competition in Lautoka this weekend.

Former Marist Brothers High School utility forward Angelo Smith will start at lock, former Wallabies winger Filipo Daugunu will start at outside centre with Maciu Nabolakasi starting off the bench.

Coach Kevin Foote has named a very strong squad as they look to end the Drua’s winning streak at Churchill Park in Lautoka this season.

Isaac Kailea, Jordan Uelese and Taniela Tupou will start in the front row, Smith will partner up with Josh Canham at locks, Josh Kemeny and Brad Wilkin will be on the flanks while captain Rob Leota will be at number 8.

Ryan Louwrens will start at halfback, Carter Gordon will be at flyhalf with David Feliuai and Daugunu forming the centres pair.

Darby Lancaster and Andrew Kellaway will be on the wings and Mason Gordon will be at fullback.

The impacts include Ethan Dobbins, Matt Gibbon, Sam Talakai, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Nabolakasi, James Tuttle, David Vaihu and Jake Strachan.

The Rebels will be hosted by the Drua at 2.05pm this Saturday.

In other matches this week, the Crusaders will play Moana Pasifika at 7.05pm tomorrow, the Waratahs host the Reds at 9.35pm tomorrow, the Hurricanes will take on the Highlanders at 4.35pm Saturday, the Blues will play the Chiefs at 7.05pm Saturday and the Force will host the Brumbies at 9.35pm Saturday.