National 7s Olympian, Ponipate Loganimasi returns as wing for the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua against the Blues in their Round 13 match of the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific.
Selestino Ravutaumada has been named at fullback while Isaiah Armstrong Ravula will start from the bench. Injury has forced outstanding flanker Etonia Waqa out this week, meaning Josefa Tamani gets a start against the Blues and young Sailosi Vukalokalo gets a spot on the bench for a potential Super Rugby Pacific debut.
The young Suva lock has recovered from long term injury to finally make the matchday 23.
In the Drua’s starting 15, Haereiti Hetet gets to start at loosehead prop ahead of powerhouse prop Peni Ravai, who will start off the bench.
Captain Mesake Doge is at tighthead with Zuriel Togiatama starting at hooker.
Locks Mesake Vocevoce and Isoa Nasilasila retain their place in the middle row.
Tamani starts the match at blindside flanker with Isoa Tuwai at openside.
Kitione Salawa again starts this week as the number 8 loose forward.
In the backline, Simione Kuruvoli starts at halfback, partnering Kemu Valetini who retains his place at flyhalf.
Taniela Rakuro starts the match on the left wing with speedster Ponipate Loganimasi returning to the squad this week to start on the right wing.
Inia Tabuavou is at inside centre with Vuate Karawalevu at the outside centre position.
For bench impact this week, season co-captain Tevita Ikanivere is backup hooker, Ravai at loosehead and Samuela Tawake covering the tighthead prop position.
Rampaging Elia Canakaivata backs up the loose forward trio.
Philip Baselala will cover halfback. Last week’s winning try scorer Isikeli Rabitu completes the matchday squad as backline utility.
The Drua take on the Blues at 7.05pm Friday at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
