Tamani, Lomani, Tabuavou, and Ravutaumada return for Crusaders clash

Big names will be returning for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua this weekend in their crucial Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific round 8 clash against the Crusaders in Suva.

Coach Glen Jackson has recalled Joe Tamani, Frank Lomani, Inia Tabuavou and Selestino Ravutaumada to the starting 15 with young Isoa Tuwai getting his first start this weekend.

Hareiti Hatet will team up with Tevita Ikanivere and Mesake Doge in the front row, while Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila retain their spot at locks.

Tamani and Tuwai will start at flanker, while Elia Canakaivata moves to number 8.

Lomani and Isaiah Armstrong Ravula will form the halves pair, while Tabuavou will partner with Iosefo Masi in the midfield.

Ravutaumada will start on the right wing, Ponipate Loganimasi on the left, and Vuate Karawalevu at fullback.

In the reserves, Zuriel Togiatama, Emosi Tuqiri, Samuela Tawake, Leone Rotuisolia, Vilive Miramira and Etonia Waqa will be covering the forwards while Simione Kuruvoli and Isikeli Rabitu will cover the backs.

Meanwhile, a moment of silence will be observed for VITIFM’s iconic personality, Maikeli Radua before the Drua vs Crusaders match kicks off on Saturday.

Maikeli, one of the pioneers of Communications Fiji Limited's iTaukei language speaking stations, VITIFM, passed away after a tragic car accident in Nadera on Saturday afternoon.

Fijian Drua General Manager Commercial, Shane Hussein says they would like to express their sincere condolences to the family of Maikeli Radua.

Hussein says ‘Mike’ as he was fondly known has been the voice that Fijians have grown up listening to for the past 30 years, and they will show their appreciation by having a moment of silence before the match kicks off on Saturday.

While acknowledging the gesture by the Fijian Drua, CFL General Manager, Charles Taylor says Mike always played a big part in many sports events around the country.

He says Mike brought a lot of fun and entertainment at many rugby games from way back in 1996 when VITIFM opened, and this will be an emotional time when a moment of silence is observed for a person who has done a lot for the Fijian sporting family and fans.

Maikeli will be laid to rest at their village burial ground in Waikete, Tailevu on Saturday.

The funeral service will commence in Waikete at 10am Saturday, and will also be livestreamed on the VITIFM facebook page.

The Drua will host the Crusaders at 3.35pm on Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

In other matches, the Chiefs will take on the Reds at 6.05pm Friday, Moana Pasifika will host the Waratahs at 1.05pm Saturday, the Blues will take on the Hurricanes at 6.05pm Saturday, and the Force will play the Highlanders at 8.35pm Saturday.