SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC,APRIL 29th,2023 FIJIAN DRUA v BLUES
CHURCHILL PARK,LAUTOKA,FIJI
Drua (1-15):
Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Samuela Tawake, Isoa Nasilasila, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Vilive Miramira, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Eroni Sau, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ilaisa Droasese.
Replacements: Mesulame Dolokoto, Emosi Tuqiri, Jone Tiko, Chris Minimbi, Joseva Tamani, Peni Matawalu, Kemu Valetini, Apisalome Vota.
NRL’s new old signing Roger Tuivasa-Sheck has been left out of the Blues’ 23 to face the Drua.
The Blues lost lock Patrick Tuipulotu to injury this week, but will send out a strong lineup in Lautoka.
As expected, prop Nepo Laulala (calf) and fullback Stephen Perofeta (shoulder) are also missing with coach Leon MacDonald saying both face around a month on the sidelines.
Marcel Renata comes in to start at tighthead prop and Zarn Sullivan wears the No.15. A special day also for twenty-one-year-old Blues hooker Soane Vikena who labels it a “dream” first start for the franchise in his home town of Lautoka.
Having welcomed back flanker Akira Ioane from injury, they then lost fullback Stephen Perofeta and prop Nepo Laulala to what coach Leon MacDonald described as ‘significant’ injuries.
Perofeta has had a severe shoulder injury before, and he felt the same should move, forcing him to leave the field, while Laulala had the front rowers’ curse, a calf muscle injury.
While conditions were slippery with drizzle during the game, and the Waratahs down on experience with Australia Test players rested, MacDonald said the win was a case of ‘job done’ with the side doing enough when it mattered during the game.
Perofeta’s injury opened the way for replacement, Zarn Sullivan, to seize his chance to impress. He has been good with limited game time this year.
Blues (1-15):
Ofa Tuungafasi, Soane Vikena, Marcel Renata, Cameron Suafoa, Sam Darry, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papalii, Hoskins Sotutu, Finlay Christie, Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, Harry Plummer, Rieko Ioane, Mark Telea, Zarn Sullivan.
Replacements: Ricky Riccitelli, Jordan Lay, James Lay, James Tucker, Akira Ioane, Sam Nock, Bryce Heem, AJ Lam.
Referee. Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant Referees. Stu Curran, Jackson Henshaw
Prediction,
While I expect the Blues to win ,it will not be easy playing the Drua in the hot and humid conditions in Fiji, with the home supporters behind them.
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