Pacific

Drua coach wants disciplined performance against the Brumbies

06:17 am on 8 April 2022

Meli Derenalagi returns to the Fijian Drua team this weekend and wears the captain's armband with Nemani Nagusa suspended.

There are also two potential debutants, Jone Tiko and former Fiji Under 20 captain Raikabula Momoedonu, for Saturday night's match against the Brumbies at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Head Coach Mick Byrne says he is looking for a more disciplined game, and he expects the team to step up after the 38-14 loss to the Waratahs last week.

Photo: Fiji Rugby Union

Haereiti Hetet is at loosehead prop in the starting 15, alongside Mesulame Dolokoto at hooker and Samuela Tawake at tighthead.

A new lock combination sees Viliame Rarasea partnering Chris Minimbi, with both players also getting their first 15 starts this season.

The backrow sees Joseva Tamani starting at blindside flanker, Vilive Miramira at openside and Derenalagi as number 8 loose forward.

Frank Lomani starts at halfback, with Teti Tela, the second highest points scorer this season, at flyhalf.

The midfield combination sees Tuidraki Samusamuvodre move to inside centre this week, partnering Apisalome Vota who returns to his outside centre role.

Vinaya Habosi starts his eighth straight match on the left wing, with Selestino Ravutaumada on the right wing and Kitione Ratu at fullback.

The replacement front row this week consists of Tevita Ikanivere, Timoci Sauvoli and potential debutant Jone Tiko.

Lock Isoa Nasilasila also adds impact on the bench alongside another potential debutant, former Fiji U20 captain Raikabula Momoedonu.

Rusiate Nasove, who scored a try last week also makes the matchday squad this week, alongside the returning Simione Kuruvoli. Utility back Napolioni Bolaca rounds out the bench.

"We are looking for a more disciplined game; we are preparing ourselves for a team looking to step up after their loss last week. We feel the same and are looking forward to a physical encounter up front," said Byrne.

The match kicks off at 7.45pm (local time) at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

Round 8 Fijian Drua vs Brumbies

1. Haereiti Hetet

2. Mesulame Dolokoto

3. Samuela Tawake

4. Viliame Rarasea

5. Chris Minimbi

6. Joseva Tamani

7. Vilive Miramira

8. Meli Derenalagi (c)

9. Frank Lomani

10. Teti Tela

11. Vinaya Habosi

12. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre

13. Apisalome Vota

14. Selestino Ravutaumada

15. Kitione Ratu

16. Tevita Ikanivere

17. Timoci Sauvoli

18. Jone Tiko*

19. Isoa Nasilasila

20. Raikabula Momoedonu*

21. Rusiate Nasove

22. Simione Kuruvoli

23. Napolioni Bolaca

* denotes potential debut