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Fijian Drua look for revenge in battle of the Pacific
By Ned Lester
The battle of the Pacific is in Fiji this week and the hosts have welcomed some key cogs back into the starting XV for the contest.
Young playmaker Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula returns to the No. 10 jersey and captain Meli Derenalagi is back at No. 8 for Mick Byrne's squad.
Leone Rotuisolia and Etonia Waga also return to the starting forward pack at lock and blindside flanker respectively, while Peni Matawalu gets a crack at halfback and Taniela Rakuro and Apisalome Vota join the starting backline.
Byrne will be looking for a bounce-back performance from his side after losing their first home game of the year against the Hurricanes in their last outing.
The coach will also be looking for his team to prove how they've grown since the last time they played Moana in Super Round, a game the Drua lost for the first time in the two teams' young rivalry.
Fijian Drua team to face Moana Pasifika
- Haereiti Hetet
- Zuriel Togiatama
- Mesake Doge
- Isoa Nasilasila
- Leone Rotuisolia
- Etonia Waga
- Kitione Salawa
- Meli Derenalagi (c)
- Peni Matawalu
- Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
- Taniela Rakuro
- Apisalome Vota
- Iosefo Masi
- Selestino Ravutaumada
- Ilaisa Droasese
RESERVES: Mesu Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Samu Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Vilive Miramira, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Michael Naitokani
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Latest Comments
Hopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
Go to commentsNot surprised to see Barretts rating. He has always been a solid defender for the ABs but not particularly effective in attack situations.
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