Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Head Coach Mick Byrne has made three changes for the match against the Highlanders this weekend, including the return of Caleb Muntz after a nine-month injury layoff.
Muntz, who last played in Fiji’s historic win over England in August last year, will start on the bench.
The starting lineup remains largely the same, with Jone Koroiduadua (1) at loosehead prop, captain Tevita Ikanivere (2) at hooker, and Mesake Doge (3) at tighthead. The locks are Mesake Vocevoce (4) and Isoa Nasilasila (5). The back row includes Etonia Waqa (6), Kitione Salawa (7), and Elia Canakaivata (8).
Simi Kuruvoli (9) and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula (10) continue their halfback partnership. Armstrong-Ravula, with 97 points, is poised to become only the second Drua player after Teti Tela to reach 100 Super Rugby Pacific points. Epeli Momo (11) and Selestino Ravutaumada (14) are on the wings, with Kemu Valetini (12) and Iosefo Masi (13) in the centers. Ilaisa Droasese (15) is at fullback.
The bench features Zuriel Togiatama (16), Emosi Tuqiri (17), Samu Tawake (18), Leone Rotuisolia (19), Vilive Miramira (20), Peni Matawalu (21), Caleb Muntz (22), and Taniela Rakuro (23).
The match will kick off at 2:05 PM FJT on Sunday at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin. The Highlanders have won the previous two encounters.
Starting XV:
- Jone Koroiduadua
- Tevita Ikanivere (C)
- Mesake Doge
- Mesake Vocevoce
- Isoa Nasilasila
- Etonia Waqa
- Kitione Salawa
- Elia Canakaivata
- Simi Kuruvoli
- Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
- Epeli Momo
- Kemu Valetini
- Iosefo Masi
- Selestino Ravutaumada
- Ilaisa Droasese
Bench:
- Zuriel Togiatama
- Emosi Tuqiri
- Samu Tawake
- Leone Rotuisolia
- Vilive Miramira
- Peni Matawalu
- Caleb Muntz
- Taniela Rakuro
