Fijian Drua Head Coach Mick Byrne has announced his inaugural 23-member squad to take on the Waratahs in the historic first Super Rugby Pacific match this Friday.
As many as 14 of the starting 15 and all eight subs will make their competition debut, representing the 'coming to shore' of the Fijian Drua's 25-year journey.
Jone Koroiduada starts at loosehead prop for the Drua, with Samuela Tawake at tighthead and Tevita Ikanivere at hooker.
Fijian Drua players huddle together during the captain's run in Canberra. Photo: Supplied/Fiji Rugby
Isoa Nasilasila and Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta are locks, while the backrow consists of Meli Derenalagi at blindside flanker, Kitione Salawa the openside flanker, and Captain Nemani Nagusa as the number 8.
In the backline, Simione Kuruvoli is at halfback, partnering with Baden Kerr who is at first-five-eighth. Kalaveti Ravouvou takes on the inside centre role at 12, with Apisalome Vota at 13.
The back three is made up by Vinaya Habosi and Kitione Ratu take up the wing spots, with Selestino Ravautaumada at fullback.
Providing cover and reinforcement off the bench are props Timoci Sauvoli and Manasa Saulo, hooker Mesu Dolokoto, lock Viliame Rarasea, flanker Vilive Miramira, halfback Peni Matawalu, first five Caleb Muntz and centre/winger Onisi Ratave.
Byrne said the squad is very excited and raring to go in their debut match in just a day.
"The feeling in camp is great. The week builds and it built today. We've had a good team run today and a good physical hit-out, and it was pleasing to see the energy that the boys brought," Byrne said.
"We're building towards Friday and the boys are very, very excited."
"It was difficult picking the squad with so many who really put their hand up. We have picked the best squad from the players we have available for Friday night.
"There were some disappointed guys who weren't on the final list, which is normal in any team.
"But it as great today to see that disappointment turn into energy in training this afternoon as they helped us get our matchday 23 get ready for Friday night. It was inspiring to watch," he said.
On the number of debuts, Byrne said: "We knew when we signed up for Super Rugby that it was going to be the first time for most of our squad.
"The team has worked really hard through November, December to get the fitness that they need.
"Late December and January we started throwing the ball around. So it's been a lot of hard work to this point and today gave us a nice little edge to get ready for Friday," Byrne said.
