Fresh faced Drua squad ready to clip Eagles wings.
On home soil with just three regular games left to play and a home semi final up for grabs, the Fiji Airways Drua will be looking to producing a dominant performance at ANZ Stadium against NSW Country Eagles this Saturday.
Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has shuffled his line up, resting a few key figures and ensuring his squad is fresh and ready for another month of fierce competition.
“We are happy to be back in Fiji and looking forward to taking on NSW Country this weekend” he said. “we weren’t expecting this weather when we got home, so things have changed a bit in our preparations, but what hasn’t changed is that there is a game on Saturday and we want to win it.”
The Drua overcome an early onslaught from the Sydney Rays on Sunday to seal victory with a powerful 4 try second half, however the Head Coach is not keen for his team to leave things to chance this weekend.
“We did our review and there’s lots to work on in our set piece and keeping concentration with ball in hand. Hopefully that is the last time we play catch up rugby” he said.
Fans will see a very different line up compared to the Drua’s last appearance in Fiji against Brisbane City, with one forced change in the hooker position due Mosese Ducivaki suffering a knee injury at training in Australia.
Mesulame Dolokoto earn his first start in the number 2 jersey alongside the combination of Veitayaki and Rabukawaqa who started in Sydney.
“Mosese Ducivaki had to stay in Australia, he suffered a knee injury before the Sydney game. He has had his surgery and will return to Fiji as soon as possible” said Seruvakula.
Jone Navori debuts in the backrow at number 7 with Captain Mosese Voka moving across to 6.
Energetic scrum half Frank Lomani and in form centre Cyril Reece will be rested with Serupepeli Vularika taking the reigns, Alivereti Veitokani back into fly half and Apisalome Vota welcoming his debut appearance off the bench.
“Frank (Lomani) and Cyril (Reece) have been playing large minutes across the season and it’s important that Seru (Vularika) get’s invaluable game time in his main position (9) ahead of the November Flying Fijians tour.”
“We also bring in Jone Navori who is a quality player and will get through loads of work.”
A new look backs combination will see Aporosa Tabulawaki (11) and Levani Kurumudu (14) on the wings with Jone Manu maintaining his spot at 12 and Avete Daveta moving into the centres at 13, Apisalome Waqatabu returns to the start list at fullback.
In comparison to the 2017 season where changes to the line up were rare, the Drua coach is placing his faith in the depth of the squad to manage any challenge they encounter in the season.
“We made a commitment to use the entire squad this campaign, and with Navori and Vota in this week’s squad, we are pleased to be able to deliver on that.”
The passionate Head Coach is certain his squad can perform on game day, regardless of the combination.
“These guys are good enough to beat anyone in this competition, they are competing against Super Rugby players every week, and my message is always to be confident that they can beat them.” he said.
“For many, the reason they dont play Super Rugby is because they are here at home in Fiji and there is no opportunity, but they are good enough, and as they continue to push for contracts overseas it’s up to them to keep showing that.”
The Fiji Airways Drua will play NSW Country Eagles, 3pm this Saturday 29th September at ANZ Stadium Suva. Tickets are $10 for grandstand, $5 embankment available at Fiji Sports Council and the FRU, children under 12 are free.
Round 5 NRC – Fiji Airways Drua to play NSW Country Eagles
Saturday 29th September, 3pm.
ANZ Stadium, Suva
1. Joeli Veitayaki
2. Mesulame Dolokoto
3. Alifereti Rabukawaqa
4. Tevita Naqali
5. Albert Tuisue
6. Mosese Voka
7. Jone Navori
8. Eremasi Radrodro
9. Serupepeli Vularika
10. Alivereti Veitokani
11. Aporosa Tabulawaki
12. Jone Manu
13. Avete Daveta
14. Levani Kurumudu
15. Apisalome Waqatabu
RESERVES:
16. Ratunaisa Navuma
17. Eroni Mawi
18. Luke Tagi
19. Filimoni Seru
20. Johnny Dyer
21. Peni Matawalu
22. Apisalome Vota
23. Asaeli Atunaisa