The Fijian Drua has named two debutants in its second Super Rugby Pacific game against the Brumbies on Saturday.
Head coach Mick Byrne has included loosehead prop Kaliopasi Uluilakepa and lock Rat Rotuisolia in his match-day 23 for the clash against the Australian side.
The Fijian Drua will host the Australian NRC final after beating Canberra in Lautoka. Photo: Fiji Rugby
Uluilakepa is a World Rugby Junior Championship winner with All Blacks Under-20 and was part of the Hurricanes extended squad in 2020.
While Rotuisolia has represented the Fijian Under-20 and Sydney University 15's.
The two players' inclusion is expected to bring balance to the team and indicates Byrne's awareness of the Brumbies' superior forward pack - laced with several Wallabies stars
Drua players relax after another tough training session Photo: Fiji Rugby
Meanwhile, Caleb Muntz also gets the nod at number 10 after coming off the bench last week - shifting Baden Kerr to fullback.
Byrne said the Drua have now experienced the pace of Super rugby and are excited and looking forward to going again this weekend.
no. position name
1 Loosehead prop Kaliopasi Uluilakepa *
2 hooker Tevita Ikanivere
3 tighthead prop Samuela Tawake
4 left lock Isoa Nasilasila
5 right lock Ratu Rotuisolia *
6 left flanker Vilive Miramira
7 right flanker Kitione Salawa
8 number eight Nemani Nagusa (C)
9 scrumhalf Simione Kuruvoli
10 flyhalf Caleb Muntz
11 left wing Vinaya Habosi
12 inside centre Kalaveti Ravouvou
13 outside centre Apisalome Vota
14 right wing Onisi Ratave
15 fullback Baden Kerr
replacements
16. reserve Mesulame Dolokoto
17. reserve Timoci Sauvoli
18. reserve Manasa Saulo
19. reserve Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta
20. reserve Meli Derenalagi
21. reserve Joseva Tamani **
22. reserve Peni Matawalu
23. reserve Napolioni Bolaca **
*debut
**potential debut