Fijian Drua look for revenge in battle of the Pacific

The battle of the Pacific is in Fiji this week and the hosts have welcomed some key cogs back into the starting XV for the contest.

Young playmaker Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula returns to the No. 10 jersey and captain Meli Derenalagi is back at No. 8 for Mick Byrne’s squad.

Leone Rotuisolia and Etonia Waga also return to the starting forward pack at lock and blindside flanker respectively, while Peni Matawalu gets a crack at halfback and Taniela Rakuro and Apisalome Vota join the starting backline.

Byrne will be looking for a bounce-back performance from his side after losing their first home game of the year against the Hurricanes in their last outing.

The coach will also be looking for his team to prove how they’ve grown since the last time they played Moana in Super Round, a game the Drua lost for the first time in the two teams’ young rivalry.

Fijian Drua team to face Moana Pasifika

1. Haereiti Hetet
2. Zuriel Togiatama
3. Mesake Doge
4. Isoa Nasilasila
5. Leone Rotuisolia
6. Etonia Waga
7. Kitione Salawa
8. Meli Derenalagi (c)
9. Peni Matawalu
10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula
11. Taniela Rakuro
12. Apisalome Vota
13. Iosefo Masi
14. Selestino Ravutaumada
15. Ilaisa Droasese

RESERVES: Mesu Dolokoto, Livai Natave, Samu Tawake, Mesake Vocevoce, Vilive Miramira, Elia Canakaivata, Simione Kuruvoli, Michael Naitokani