A lot of changes have been made to the Fiji Airways Drua run-on side to face Sydney Rays in round four of the National Rugby Championship on Sunday at Concord Oval.
Johnny Dyer, Jone Manu, Tevita Naqali and Seru Vularika have all earned their first starts for the season, with Alifereti Rabukawaqa and Asaeli Atunaisa making their campaign debuts off the bench.
Vularika will start at fly half with his Flying Fijian team mate Alivereti Veitokani sliding in to full back and Api Waqatabu moving to the bench.
The rejigged backline of Kurumudu, Manu, Reece and Daveta will look to reignite the spark the Drua lit during the first two rounds of the season.
In the back row, a shuffle has seen enforcer Eremasi Radrodro switched to blindside flanker making way for Johnny Dyer to slot in to number 8.
Dyer has had an impressive start to the season off the bench and Coach Seruvakula will look for more powerful carries and aggressive defence from the Vatukoula forward.
Seruvakula says he has demanded more focus and a strong start from his side.
“Sydney are a good side, they haven’t had a win yet, but they’ll be looking for one. We want to start well and not give them any space or opportunity to gain confidence or edge against us.”
The Drua plays the Rays at 5pm Sunday.
Squad
1 Joeli Veitayaki
2. Ratunaisa Navuma
3. Mosese Ducivaki
4. Tevita Naqali
5. Albert Tuisue
6. Eremasi Radrodro
7. Mosese Voka
8. Johnny Dyer
9. Frank Lomani
10.Serupepeli Vularika
11. Levani Kurumudu
12. Jone Manu
13. Cyril Reece
14. Apete Daveta
15. Alivereti Veitokani
Reserves:
16. Mesulame Dolokoto
17. Eroni Mawi
18. Alifereti Rabukawaqa
19. Peni Naulago
20. Peni Raidre
21. Peni Matawalu
22. Apisalome Waqatabu
23. Asaeli Atunaisa
