Ikanivere to captain the Drua against the Hurricanes, Derenalagi back in matchday 23

Ikanivere to captain the Drua against the Hurricanes, Derenalagi back in matchday 23

By Vijay Narayan
04/05/2023

Tevita Ikanivere will captain the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua against the Hurricanes this Saturday while season captain, Meli Derenalagi has returned to the matchday 23 after three weeks.

Lock Etonia Waqa, a recent short-term signing for the Drua over the past week, is also set for a potential debut in Suva.

Waqa, a former Fiji Under-20 rep currently plays for Bay of Plenty (Bunnings NPC) in New Zealand.

Other changes see Joseva Tamani moving into the second row and speedster Taniela Rakuro getting a start on the left wing.

Drua coach, Mick Byrne has named a strong front row with Haereiti Hetet at loosehead prop and Samuela Tawake at tighthead alongside hooker and captain Ikanivere.

Isoa Nasilasila will partner with Tamani this week in the second row.

Vilive Miramira remains at blindside flanker, with Kitione Salawa at openside, and Elia Canakaivata as the number 8 loose forward.

Frank Lomani stays at halfback with Teti Tela at flyhalf.

Rakuro returns to the left wing to pair with Selestino Ravutaumada who is on the right.

Kalaveti Ravouvou is at inside centre and Iosefo Masi at outside centre.

Ilaisa Droasese is at fullback. Impact will be in the form of Mesulame Dolokoto as covering hooker, Livai Natave covering loosehead while Jone Koroiduadua also makes a return to the matchday squad as replacement tighthead prop.

New recruit Waqa takes his place on the bench covering the second row and is a potential debut.

Meli Derenalagi covers for the backrow, Peni Matawalu is the replacement halfback, with Kemu Valetini and Eroni Sau completing the matchday squad.

The Fijian Drua will meet the Hurricanes at 2.05pm Saturday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.

FNRL
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