Good news: Important Drua players are back in Melbourne for a pregame warm-up.
Head coach Mick Byrne has made adjustments to the starting lineup from the previous trial, naming a 28-man travelling team. Iosefo Masi, Frank Lomani, Tevita Ikanivere, and Selestino Ravutaumada are back in the starting lineup, and youthful center Waqa Nalaga will make his debut off the bench.
Isoa Nasilasila and Mesake Vocevoce are in the second row, behind Emosi Tuqiri, Ikanivere, and Mesake Doge in the front row. The loose forwards are Captain Meli Derenalagi, Elia Canakaivata, and Etonia Waqa. Halfback Frank Lomani and flyhalf Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
The midfield duo of Apisalome Vota and Iosefo Masi is paired with the back three of Ravutaumada, Epeli Momo, and Ilaisa Droasese. The trial will begin at Gosch’s Paddock in Melbourne at 530 p.m. The Drua play Blues in Auckland in the opening round next weekend.