Valetini at flyhalf while Vakatawa named on the bench for Drua vs Blues clash

Kemu Valetini will start at flyhalf while Virimi Vakatawa has been named on the bench for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua when they take on the Blues at Eden Park in round 7 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.

Head Coach Glen Jackson has kept his starting forwards that faced the Reds last week, with Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama and Mesake Doge keeping their places in the front row.

Isoa Nasilasila will once again partner with Mesake Vocevoce at locks, while Etonia Waqa and Kitione Salawa are at flankers and Elia Canakaivata at number 8.

Jackson has made some changes to the backline, with Frank Lomani starting at halfback and will team-up with Kemu Valetini, who has been given the kicking duties this week.

Iosefo Namoce will team up with Tuidraki Samusamuvodre in the centres, while Epeli Momo and Ponipate Loganimasi are on the wings, with Ilaisa Droasese at fullback.

For impact this week, the experience of Mesulame Dolokoto as backup hooker will be invaluable.

Emosi Tuqiri will be at loosehead, with Peni Ravai covering the tighthead prop position.

Joseva Tamani returns to the matchday 23 and will cover the locks, while Isoa Tuwai backs up the loose forward trio.

Issak Fines-Leleiwasa will cover the halves, with Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula and Virimi Vakatawa completing the matchday squad.

The Drua play the Blues this Saturday at 6.05pm in Auckland.

In other games, Moana Pasifika host the Highlanders at 6.05pm Friday, the Brumbies will meet the Waratahs at 8.35pm.

On Saturday, the Hurricanes will face the Reds at 3.35pm, while the Force play the Chiefs at 8.35pm. 

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Matchday 23 Squad

1. Haereiti Hetet

2. Zuriel Togiatama

3. Mesake Doge

4. Isoa Nasilasila (VC)

5. Mesake Vocevoce

6. Etonia Waqa

7. Kitione Salawa

8. Elia Canakaivata

9. Frank Lomani (C)

10. Kemu Valetini

11. Ponipate Loganimasi

12. Iosefo Namoce

13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre (VC)

14. Epeli Momo

15. Ilaisa Droasese

Reserves

16. Mesulame Dolokoto

17. Emosi Tuqiri

18. Peni Ravai

19. Joseva Tamani

20. Isoa Tuwai

21. Issak Fines-Leleiwasa

22. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula

23. Virimi Vakatawa