Manasa Mataele and Joji Nasova return to the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua matchday 23 for Round 8 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Crusaders.
Head Coach Glen Jackson says the duo will take over wing duties, stepping in for Ponipate Loganimasi and Epeli Momo, who are sidelined with injuries.
He says the squad also welcomes Philip Baselala into the matchday 23 this season, while Issak Fines-Leleiwasa steps into the scrum-half jersey in place of co-captain Frank Lomani, who is also ruled out with injury.
In the starting 15, Haereiti Hetet starts at loosehead prop with Mesake Doge at tighthead and Zuriel Togiatama at hooker.
Captain Isoa Nasilasila will start at lock, partnering Joseva Tamani in the middle row.
Loose forward Etonia Waqa starts at blindside flanker position with Kitione Salawa to start at openside.
Elia Canakaivata retains his place at number 8 loose forward.
In the backline, Fines-Leleiwasa starts at halfback, partnering Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula who is at flyhalf.
Former Crusaders wing Manasa Mataele will start on the left wing with Joji Nasova taking his right-wing position.
Last week’s Home Basics Player of the Match, Iosefo Namoce retains his place at inside centre with Virimi Vakatawa to start outside him.
Ilaisa Droasese is at fullback.
For impact this week, exciting youngster Sairusi Ravudi will provide backup for the hooker position, Emosi Tuqiri will be at loosehead, with Peni Ravai covering the tighthead prop position.
Mesake Vocevoce will cover for the locks and Isoa Tuwai backs up the loose forward trio.
Philip Baselala will cover the halves with Kemu Valetini.
Isikeli Rabitu completes matchday squad.
The Fijian Drua will take on the Crusaders at 6.05pm Friday at Apollo Stadium in Christchurch.
In other matches, the Chiefs will face the Waratahs at 6.05pm Saturday, and the Reds will meet the Force at 8.35pm.
