Three players with links to Fiji will be starting for the Melbourne Rebels when they take on the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in round 7 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific tomorrow night.
Angelo Smith and Maciu Nabolakasi will start at openside and blindside flanker respectively while the explosive Filipo Daugunu will start at centre.
The Rebels have also named a strong side knowing the threat that the Drua are bringing with them after coming off a remarkable 31-13 home win over the Force in Lautoka last week.
The Rebels will be captained by tighthead prop Sam Talakai.
Matt Gibbon will be at loosehead prop while Jordan Uelese will start at hooker.
Josh Canham will partner Lukhan Salakaia-Loto at locks, Smith and Nabolakasi on the flanks and Tuaina Taii Tualima will be at number 8.
Ryan Louwrens will start at halfback and will form the halves combination with Carter Gordon.
Glen Vaihu and Darby Lancaster will be on the wings, David Feliuai will partner Daugunu at centre and Nick Jooste will start at fullback.
The bench is also packed with a lot of firepower with Alex Mafi, Isaac Kailea, Taniela Tupou, Daniel Maiava and Vaiolini Ekuasi providing cover for the forwards while James Tuttle, Matt Proctor and Mason Gordon will cover for the backs.
The Rebels will host the Drua at 8.35pm tomorrow in Melbourne.
In other matches this week, the Blues will face the Force at 6.05pm tomorrow, the Chiefs will take on Moana Pasifika at 6.05pm Saturday and the Brumbies will play the Waratahs at 8.35pm Saturday.
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