Rakuro returns, while Valetini starts at fly-half

Rakuro returns, while Valetini starts at fly-half

By Navitalai Naivalurua
Thursday 23/03/2023
Photo:(Left)PhotoSport (Right)Fijivillage

Speedster, Taniela Rakuro and Kemu Valetini will be making their first start for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua when they meet the Highlanders in Round 5 of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific this weekend.

Eroni Sau and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta will miss this week’s match due to injury.

Emosi Tuqiri is back in the starting 15 as loosehead prop with Samuela Tawake at tighthead, while Tevita Ikanivere starts at hooker for the fifth consecutive time.

Leone Rotuisolia is also in the starting 15 and will partner with Isoa Nasilasila at locks.

Joseva Tamani returns at blindside flanker after missing out last week, Kitione Salawa retains his role as openside flanker and captain Meli Derenalagi will start at number 8.

Frank Lomani remains at halfback, while Valetini will wear the number 10 jersey for the first time this season.

Kalaveti Ravouvou will team-up with Apisalome Vota in the midfields, while Rakuro and Iosefo Masi start at wing.

Selestino Ravutaumada will start at fullback.

Meanwhile, the Highlanders will have the services of All Black Aaron Smith, Ethan De Groot, Josh Dickson, Pari Pari Parkinson, Mitch Hunt, Thomas Umaga-Jensen and Jonah Lowe.

The Drua will meet the Highlanders at 3.35pm Saturday.

In other matches, the Crusaders will take on the Brumbies at 6.05pm Friday, the Waratahs play the Chiefs at 8.35pm Friday, Moana Pasifika takes on the Hurricanes at 6.05pm Saturday, the Rebels play the Reds at 8.35pm Saturday while the Blues play the Force at 2.35pm Sunday.

Fijian Drua team against Highlanders:

Emosi Tuqiri, Tevita Ikanivere, Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Leone Rotuisolia, Joseva Tamani, Kitione Salawa, Meli Derenalagi (c), Frank Lomani, Kemu Valetini, Taniela Rakuro, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada

IMPACT PLAYERS:

Zuriel Togiatama, Meli Tuni, Jone Koroiduadua, Sorovakatini Tuifagalele, Vilive Miramira, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Teti Tela

Highlanders team against the Drua

Ethan de Groot, Leni Apisai, Jermaine Ainsley, Pari Pari Parkinson, Josh Dickson, Sean Withy, Billy Harmon (c), Hugh Renton, Aaron Smith, Mitch Hunt, Jonah Lowe, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Josh Timu, Martin Bogado, Sam Gilbert

Reserves: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Will Tucker, James Lentjes, Folau Fakatava, Cam Millar, Jake Te Hiwi.


DateTimeTeamTeam

FNRL
FEATURE NEWS
Naduvalo double helps Fiji win Singapore 7s
The Fiji Airways Men’s National 7s side has won the HSBC Singapore 7s after beating Kenya 21-12 in the final thanks to a double by speedster Vuiviaw...
7 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Embrace the teachings of the Ramayan - Prem Adarsh Ramayan Mandali
We should embrace the teachings of Lord Ram and the Ramayan that will benefit our lives. Preacher of Laqere Prem Adarsh Ramayan Mandali, Ishwar ...
13 hours ago

Quick action by NFA saves lives as fire breaks out in Nabua restaurant
A fire broke out at the Aosen Restaurant in Nabua this afternoon, however, quick action by the National Fire Authority saved lives. The owner of ...
15 hours ago

Argentina crowned World SVNS Series league winners after qualifying for semi finals in Singapore
Argentina have made history yet again after being crowned the 2024/2025 HSBC World SVNS Series league champions following their HSBC Singapore 7s ...
18 hours ago

PC Laliqavoka earns promotion to Corporal in recognition of dedication to duty
Police Constable Kaminieli Laliqavoka has been proudly promoted to the rank of Corporal by Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, in recognition of his ...
18 hours ago

Kadavu Students Association at FNU and USP leads educational tour to empower island youth
The Kadavu Students Association, comprising students from both the University of the South Pacific and Fiji National University, has undertaken ...
18 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Coach, Glen Jackson appeared on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan from the Drua base in Nadi. Coming off ...
4 days ago

Reverend Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Watch the General Secretary of Fiji Evangelical Fellowship, Reverend Simione Tugi on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay ...
39 days ago

fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan and William Parkinson
Chairman of Communications Fiji Limited, parent company of FM96, LegendFM, VitiFM, Navtarang, Radio Sargam, fijivillage and PNGFM, William Parkinson ...
40 days ago

TOP