1
Caleb Muntz returns for Fijian Drua against Highlanders
By Ned Lester
The last time playmaker Caleb Muntz took to the rugby field, it was a historic day for Fijian rugby as the Flying Fijians beat England for the very first time at Twickenham.
The Drua will be hoping for their own piece of history this weekend as they chase a maiden win over the Highlanders in a crucial clash with potential consequences for their 2024 playoff dreams.
Muntz is set for a season debut off the bench after injuring his knee on the eve of the Rugby World Cup last year, a timely return given what's at stake for the team.
Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula retains the starting No. 10 jersey for now, playing outside Simi Kuruvoli in the halves.
Iceman Kemu Valetini and star centre Iosefo Masi make up the midfield, while Epeli Momo and Salestino Ravutaumada line up the wings. Ilaisa Droasese continues to serve as the team's fullback.
The powerful front row of Jone Koroiduadua, captain Tevita Ikanivere and Mesake Doge will face off with a Highlanders front row headlined by Ethan de Groot.
Mesake Vocevoce and the talented Isoa Nasilasila ake up the second row while Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa and Elia Canakaivata have been named as the loose forward trio.
Drua stream to face the Highlanders
- Jone Koroiduadua
- Tevita Ikanivere (C)
- Mesake Doge
- Mesake Vocevoce
- Isoa Nasilasila
- Etonia Waqa
- Kitione Salawa
- Elia Canakaivata
- Simi Kuruvoli
- Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
- Epeli Momo
- Kemu Valetini
- Iosefo Masi
- Selestino Ravutaumada
- Ilaisa Droasese
Impact
16. Zuriel Togiatama
17. Emosi Tuqiri
18. Samu Tawake
19. Leone Rotuisolia
20. Vilive Miramira
21. Peni Matawalu
22. Caleb Muntz
23. Taniela Rakuro
Trending on RugbyPass
2
It’s second chance Saturday for Ireland in world rankings
3
Rassie Erasmus reacts to All Blacks’ changes
4
All Blacks lose their ‘Pieter-Steph’ for Freedom Cup decider
5
Latest Comments
They also use a far more consistent scale.
Rugby pass seem to have a different scale for each player based on the authors expectations or how much he likes them.
Can't fathom how Moodie and Reece both were a 3.
Go to commentsYes for sure, thanks for sharing. I fully understand that both parties are better off, no one needs to lose, neither competition suffers, in fact both can be better as a result.
Too many true rugby fans (and analysts) don't understand that.
I wouldn't imagine there is a date aye. It was a long decline rugby in SA and Australia was going through, and was so bad it even effected NZ, caused them to argue to can a couple of teams. The nation of SA probably grew into it? I know I watch more of the NH now specifically because of the SR teams playing there. I actually had to mention to Nick Bishop (because of his stubborn perspective) the other day that I've never been a fan of Super Rugby, I don't think they chose the right way to go about professionalism back in 1995. Unfortunately, NZR was stuck between a rock and a hard place, because it had SA's and Australians that ran their unions by States, so we had to separate into "two or three" teams as a result. Our game is in the kak now because of it, they want to kill off the lifeblood of our National Provincial Championship. But now we might see a way out of it, so it's all good.
Go to comments