For Drua’s matchup against the Melbourne Rebels, captain Meli Derenalagi is back.
The only other alteration in the forward pack is the addition of Vilive Miramira at blindside flanker, one of the two changes made by coach Mick Byrne to the starting lineup. Etonia Waqa, who is injured, is replaced by Miramira in the starting lineup.
The rest of the starting lineup is the same, including the backline that supported the Drua in their season-opening victory over the Western Force on a soggy Saturday afternoon at Churchill Park.
Tevita Ikanivere, the star of the Flying Fijians, has been cleared to play and will be seated in the front row with Mesake Doge and Haereiti Hetet. For their matchup in round seven, locks Mesake Vocevoce and Leone Rotuisolia round up the Drua’s tight five.
He will be replaced as blindside flanker by Vilive Miramira, with Kitione Salawa lining up at openside. A strong Fijian Drua forward pack is completed by skipper Derenalagi.
This week, in-form halfback Frank Lomani will again start in the halves with rising star Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, with try-scoring machine Iosefo Masi and Apisalome Vota positioned right outside them in the midfield.
Masi has performed exceptionally well this year. With six tries this season, the outside center is tied for first place in terms of total points scored. The No. 15 shirt will be worn on Friday night by fullback Ilaisa Droasese, while Epeli Momo and Selestino Ravutaumada have been named to the wings.
Taniela Rakuro, an outside back, is definitely someone to watch on the bench. Friday night’s match at Melbourne’s AAMI Park is set to end at 7:35 p.m. AEDT.