28 Sep 2018

Sport: Fijian Drua ring the changes

9:28 am on 28 September 2018

The Fijian Drua have rung the changes for Saturday's Australian National Rugby Championship clash against New South Wales Country in Suva.

Head coach Senirusi Seruvakula has made four personnel changes to his starting fifteen, with another six positional switches.

"We are happy to be back in Fiji and looking forward to taking on New South Wales Country this weekend" he said.

"I am confident in our entire squad and know this team will put forward a solid effort on game day."

The Fijian Drua returned to winning ways against Sydney Rays.

The Fijian Drua returned to winning ways against Sydney Rays. Photo: Rugby Australia

Mesulame Dolokoto earns his first start at hooker, while Jone Navori makes his debut on the openside flank.

Aporosa Tabulawaki will line up on the left wing, while Apisalome Waqatabu returns to the starting side at fullback, after inspiring the Drua with two tries off the bench last weekend.

Captain Mosese Voka shifts to the blindside flank in one of six positional changes, with Eremasi Radrodro packing at the back of the scrum.

Serupepeli Vularika and Alivereti Veitokani pair up in the halves, having started at first five and fullback respectively against the Rays, while Apete Daveta moves to midfield, with Levani Kurumudu swapping wings.

Drua coach, Senirusi Seruvakula

Drua coach, Senirusi Seruvakula Photo: Fiji Rugby

The Drua top the NRC standings after four rounds while the visiting Eagles are second from bottom.

With their next two games at home, Senirusi Seruvakula said they were in an ideal position to push for a home semi final.

"It's a big advantage for us but we need to come down to earth again and do the process during the week and then be ready," he said.

"Because all these team will be reviewing every single players and the profile and how we play."

Drua squad:

1. Joeli Veitayaki, 2. Mesulame Dolokoto, 3. Alifereti Rabukawaqa, 4. Tevita Naqali, 5. Albert Tuisue, 6. Mosese Voka (c), 7. Jone Navori, 8. Eremasi Radrodro, 9. Serupepeli Vularika, 10. Alivereti Veitokani, 11. Aporosa Tabulawaki, 12. Jone Manu, 13. Apete 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.