Seruvakula retains his core players for Round 5 match
Fiji Airways Fijian Drua Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has made only one change to his 23-member squad for the match against Canberra Vikings tomorrow.
The round five match in chilly Canberra will be a test for the Drua.
“It’s very important match for us.” said Seruvakula
“At the moment we are in fifth place and the Vikings are just above us so we need to prepare accordingly.”
Seruvakula will be looking for a repeat effort from the core group that played a vital role in their massive 76-29 win over Sydney Rays last weekend in Lautoka.
Captain Joeli Veitayaki will lead the front row together with in-form hooker Tevita Ikanivere and tighthead prop Mosese Ducivaki.
Tevita Naqali and Epeli Radaniva will lock horns at number 4 and 5 while Eremasi Radrodro and Ulaiasi Lawavou will be the flankers. Jonny Dyer retains his position at number eight.
Serupepeli Vularika and Caleb Muntz again form the halves combinations.
In the midfield, Cyril Reece this time partners with Poasa Waqanibau who missed last week while speedster Nacanieli Narequva shifts to right wing and Jiuta Wainiqolo gets the nod on the left.
Enele Malele will celebrate his birthday weekend in the number 15 jersey.
Victorious RFMF World Defence Trophy champions Ratu Penijamini Makutu, Filimoni Seru and Peni Naulago are expected to add fire power off the bench.
Seruvakula said “There was no injuries in the team and I have included three more players into this touring party who just came back from Military World Cup in Japan.”
He added “We are trying our best to get there and the players have started to have that bond amongst each other, with the right combinations and playing our Fijian style.”
Seruvakula highlighted Vikings will throw everything to win the match on Saturday.
“It will be a tough match against the Vikings with five Wallabies on stand-by and 12 contracted Brumbies.
“We just have to stick to our game plan and expose our talents” he said.
Fiji Airways Fijian Drua faces Canberra Vikings – 2pm this Saturday.
Fiji Airways Fijian Drua squad VS Canberra Vikings
- Joeli Veitayaki
- Tevita Ikanivere
- Mosese Ducivaki
- Tevita Naqali
- Epeli Radaniva
- Eremasi Radrodro
- Ulaiasi Lawavou
- Jonny Dyer
- Serupepeli Vularika
- Caleb Muntz
- Jiuta Wainiqolo
- Cyril Reece
- Poasa Waqanibau
- Nacanieli Narequva
- Enele Malele
Reserves
16. Ratunaisa Navum
17. Ratu Penijamini Makutu
18. Timoci Sauvoli
19. Peni Naulago
20. Filimoni Seru
21. Peni Matawalu
22. Peceli Nacebe
23. Aporosa Tabulawaki