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New-look Fijian Drua starting side named for Hurricanes clash
By Finn Morton
Coach Glen Jackson has made 13 changes to the Fijian Drua’s starting side ahead of Saturday’s clash with the Hurricanes at Napier’s McLean Park. Hooker Co-captain Tevita Ikanivere drops out of the 23 altogether, while try-scoring machine Iosefo Masi will come off the bench.
After last weekend’s narrow loss to the ACT Brumbies in Suva, the Drua are looking to bounce back against a Hurricanes side also chasing their first win of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, having lost to the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.
Lock Mesake Vocevoce and backrower Ella Canakaivata are the only two members of the First XV who played the Brumbies who have retained their spots. Coach Jackson has made mass changes to the side, which includes an entirely new backline.
Emosi Tuqiri, Zuriel Togiatama and Mesake Doge will form an all-new front-row trio, while Vocevoce joins Isoa Nasilasila in the second row. Meli Derenalagi, Motikiai Murray and Canakaivata round out the forward pack as a solid backrow trio.
Team co-captain Frank Lomani joins 2024 Flying Fijians debutant Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula in the halves, with Caleb Muntz dropping back to the bench. Inia Tabuavou and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre will link up in the Drua’s midfield.
The other three players selected are electric winger Taniela Rakuro on the left edge, Junior Ratuva on the right, and reliable fullback Ilaisa Droasese in the No. 15 jersey. Kitione Salawa, Muntz and Masi are players to watch on the Drua’s bench.
This match at Napier’s McLean Park will get underway at 3:35 pm FJT on Saturday afternoon.
Fijian Drua to take on Hurricanes
1. Emosi Tuqiri
2. Zuriel Togiatama
3. Mesake Doge
4. Mesake Vocevoce
5. Isoa Nasilasila
6. Meli Derenalagi
7. Motikiai Murray
8. Ella Canakaivata
9. Frank Lomani (cc)
10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
11. Taniela Rakuro
12. Inia Tabuavou
13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
14. Junior Ratuva
15. Ilaisa Droasese
Replacements
16. Mesulame Dolokoto
17. Peni Ravai
18. Meli Tuni
19. Leona Rotuisolia
20. Kitione Salawa
21. Peni Matawalu
22. Caleb Muntz
23. Iosefo Masi
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Latest Comments
And Andy Muirhead is great but his defence is so bad sometimes you can’t risk him at international level. Corey Toole almost the same. Pity.
Go to commentsThe All Blacks are mostly New Zealand born and bred, or a family move when the player was young.
There’s often a couple of ‘high school scholarship’, or ‘residency’ players in an All Blacks squad e.g. Reece, Taukei'aho, Frizzell etc.
New Zealand definitely gives more players than it takes. But still, I’d significantly tighten the eligibility rules - for all teams.
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