25 Feb 2022

Two debutants feature in Drua team to meet Brumbies

10:37 pm on 25 February 2022

The Fijian Drua has named two debutants in its second Super Rugby Pacific game against the Brumbies on Saturday.

Head coach Mick Byrne has included loosehead prop Kaliopasi Uluilakepa and lock Rat Rotuisolia in his match-day 23 for the clash against the Australian side.

The Fijian Drua will host the Australian NRC final after beating Canberra in Lautoka.

The Fijian Drua will host the Australian NRC final after beating Canberra in Lautoka. Photo: Fiji Rugby

Uluilakepa is a World Rugby Junior Championship winner with All Blacks Under-20 and was part of the Hurricanes extended squad in 2020.

While Rotuisolia has represented the Fijian Under-20 and Sydney University 15's.

The two players' inclusion is expected to bring balance to the team and indicates Byrne's awareness of the Brumbies' superior forward pack - laced with several Wallabies stars

Drua players relax after another tough training session

Drua players relax after another tough training session Photo: Fiji Rugby

Meanwhile, Caleb Muntz also gets the nod at number 10 after coming off the bench last week - shifting Baden Kerr to fullback.

Byrne said the Drua have now experienced the pace of Super rugby and are excited and looking forward to going again this weekend.

no. position name

1 Loosehead prop Kaliopasi Uluilakepa *

2 hooker Tevita Ikanivere

3 tighthead prop Samuela Tawake

4 left lock Isoa Nasilasila

5 right lock Ratu Rotuisolia *

6 left flanker Vilive Miramira

7 right flanker Kitione Salawa

8 number eight Nemani Nagusa (C)

9 scrumhalf Simione Kuruvoli

10 flyhalf Caleb Muntz

11 left wing Vinaya Habosi

12 inside centre Kalaveti Ravouvou

13 outside centre Apisalome Vota

14 right wing Onisi Ratave

15 fullback Baden Kerr

replacements

16. reserve Mesulame Dolokoto

17. reserve Timoci Sauvoli

18. reserve Manasa Saulo

19. reserve Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta

20. reserve Meli Derenalagi

21. reserve Joseva Tamani **

22. reserve Peni Matawalu

23. reserve Napolioni Bolaca **

*debut

**potential debut