Team News: Fijian Drua vs Queensland Reds

Fijian Drua Head Coach Mick Byrne has named the round 15 squad for the season-defining match against Queensland Reds this Saturday in the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific competition. Positional changes to the starting line-up see the versatile Kalaveti Ravouvou moving to left wing, Teti Tela starting at inside centre and Selestino Ravutaumada shifting to fullback.

Byrne has maintained his front row from last week with Haereiti Hetet (1) at loosehead prop, Mesake Doge (3) at tighthead, and Tevita Ikanivere (2) as hooker. The second row will consist of Isoa Nasilasila (4) and Leone Rotuisolia (5). Joseva Tamani (6) remains at blindside flanker with Vilive Miramira (7) on the openside. Captain Meli Derenalagi (8) is the number 8 loose forward.

Frank Lomani (9) remains at halfback with Caleb Muntz (10) slotting in at flyhalf this week. Ravouvou (11) starts on the left wing and will partner with Eroni Sau (14) who shifts to the right wing. Tela (12) at inside centre position will partner Iosefo Masi (13) who is on the outside. Ravutaumada (15) completes the starting 15 at fullback. 

The bench sees the return of Mesu Dolokoto (16), who will cover the hooker position as well as Meli Tuni (17), who is the replacement loosehead prop. Samuela Tawake (18) will cover for the tighthead prop role. Etonia Waqa (19) is replacement lock, while Elia Canakaivata (20) will be the back up loose forward. Peni Matawalu (21) is reserve halfback, with Kemu Valetini (22) and Michael Naitokani (23) covering the backline.

Queensland Reds

Reds Head coach Brad Thorn has made five changes to his starting XV in what is a do-or-die clash against the Drua, with both teams fighting for a finals berth at HFC Bank Stadium.
 
Ryan Smith returns to the starting side after recovering from a calf injury, while Seru Uru, who was ruled out with illness last round, replaces injured co-captain Liam Wright.
 
James O’Connor starts at flyhalf with Tom Lynagh shifting to the bench, as Hunter Paisami runs on at inside centre after making his comeback from a knee injury against the Highlanders last Friday night.
 
Filipo Daugunu also returns to play his first Super Rugby match in his home country.

After clearing return to play protocols from concussion, Tate McDermott will captain the side at scrumhalf, partnering O’Connor in an experienced halves combination.
 
Paisami’s successful return from a knee injury sees him start at inside-centre alongside Josh Flook in the centres, with Jock Campbell running on at fullback.
 
Fijian duo Daugunu and Suliasi Vunivalu, who yesterday re-signed with the Reds through 2025, will both feature in their birth country on the wings.
 
Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr make for an unchanged backrow, while Smith comes into the side at lock in place of the injured Connor Vest.
 
Angus Blyth starts in the second row as Queensland look to keep their finals hopes alive.
 
After missing last week’s match with illness, Uru starts alongside Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson in the backrow.
 
Queensland take on the Drua in Suva at 2:35pm AEST on Saturday. Watch live via Stan Sport.
 
Fijian Drua v Queensland Reds, HFC Bank Stadium, Suva, Saturday 3 June, 2:35pm AEST. Watch live on Stan Sport.

1. Peni Ravai – Easts – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji
2. Matt Faessler – Brothers – Toowoomba Grammar School – USQ Saints
3. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University – The Southport School – Gold Coast Eagles
4. Angus Blyth – Bond University – The Southport School – Casuarina Beach Rugby Club
5. Ryan Smith – Brothers – St Patrick’s College Shorncliffe – Caboolture Snakes
6. Seru Uru – Wests – Ratu Kadavulevu School, Fiji – Namoli Rugby Club, Fiji
7. Fraser McReight – Brothers – Brisbane Grammar School – Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson – Brothers – St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace – Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Tate McDermott – University of Queensland – Sunshine Coast Grammar School – Flinders Rugby Club
10. James O’Connor – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
11. Filipo Daugunu – Wests – Dogotuki District School, Fjii
12. Hunter Paisami – Wests – Mangere College, Auckland
13. Josh Flook – Brothers – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Brothers
14. Suliasi Vunivalu – Wests – Saint Kentigern College, Auckland
15. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland – The Southport School – Inverell Highlanders
16. Richie Asiata – Easts – Anglican Church Grammar School
17. Dane Zander – University of Queensland – St Joseph’s Nudgee College – Albany Creek Brumbies
18. Sef Fa’agase – Sunnybank – Shailer Park State High School – Beaudesert Warriors
19. Lopeti Faifua – Wests – Saint Kentigern College, Auckland
20. Jake Upfield – Bond University – The Southport School
21. Kalani Thomas – University of Queensland – Ipswich Grammar School – Souths
22. Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland – Epsom College – Richmond Rugby Club
23. Lawson Creighton – Brothers – Padua College