Drua team ready for business.
It’s business time for Fiji Airways Drua Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula and his team as they finalise preparations for their first ever home National Rugby Championship semi final against the Canberra Vikings at Churchill Park this Saturday.
The Canberra Vikings have laid down their intentions for revenge from the defeat they suffered two weeks ago in Lautoka, naming four Wallabies Pete Samu, Rory Arnold, Tom Banks and Joe Powell in their team for the clash.
If it’s a battle of the international heavyweights they were after, the Drua accepts naming 7 Flying Fijians in their team for this weekend’s battle.
Seruvakula has made just one change to the starting team that courageously defeated the Western Force last week, bringing NRC top scorer Apisalome Waqatabu back into the full back position.
Peni Matawalu returns to the team replacing Serupepeli Vularika who sustained a hamstring injury in Perth.
“A massive headache for the opposition all year has been our ability to interchange our line up and keep them guessing.” he said.
“The boys have been competing all week, showing me how much they want this and our preparations have been really focussed. They are ready to play”
The Drua have suffered just one loss for the regular season but previous victories account for nothing this week as they look to take their campaign one step further in 2018 and qualify for the grand final.
The Head Coach has called to the Fijian public to get behind his team as they chase the victory and face the challenge this weekend.
“Playing at home in front of our family for this massive first ever home semi final is really big for us, to know that there is a big crowd to support us will really lift the morale of the boys tomorrow” he said.
The Fiji Airways Drua will have their Captain’s Run at Churchill Park this afternoon before taking the field against the Canberra Vikings at 4pm tomorrow, Saturday 20th October.
The Vikings arrive into Nadi later tonight and will not be hosting a training in Fiji.
Tickets for the inaugural home semi final in Fiji can be purchased from Lautoka City Council or at the gate, prices have remained the same at $10 grandstand, $5 embankment and children under 12 for free.
Major NRC Semi Final – Fiji Airways Drua team to take on Canberra Vikings.
Saturday 20th October – 4pm kick off
Churchill Park, Lautoka
1. Joeli Veitayaki
2. Mesulame Dolokoto
3. Benji Makutu
4. Peni Naulago
5. Albert Tuisue
6. Mosese Voka ©
7. Jone Navori
8. Eramasi Rodrodro
9. Frank Lomani
10. Alivereti Veitokani
11. Aparosa Tabulawaki
12. Cyril Reece
13. Apisalome Vota
14. Levani Kurumudu
15. Apisalome Waqatabu
Reserves
16. Ratunaisa Navuma
17. Eroni Mawi
18. Luke Tagi
19. Tevita Naqali
20. Johnny Dyer
21. Peni Matawalu
22. Enele Malele
23. Lepani Raiyala