SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC, ROUND 12, MAY 12th, 2023 WESTERN FORCE v FIJIAN DRUA
HBF PARK, PERTH.
In a huge boost to the pack, Wallaby Tom Robertson returns to the fold, named at tighthead prop. His experience and power will be welcomed against a meaty Drua forward pack.
With 38 international caps to his name, Folau Fainga’a makes his return to HBF Park. Omitted for Round 5 in Auckland with persistent Achilles soreness, Fainga’a’s size and on-field leadership will be vital at set piece time against a tenacious Drua outfit.
Angus Wagner continues to add weight to the frontrow, recovered from an acute hamstring injury, starting at loosehead prop.
Standing at 203cm, tall timber Ryan McCauley earns his start in the second row. Pairing up with Jeremy Williams, with Felix Kalapu moving to the finishers.
After the birth of his son, Rahbni Vosayaco is back in the West and will run on in the backrow along with Captain Michael Wells and local product Carlo Tizzano. Tizzano will play his first match at HBF Park on Friday night since his departure in 2019.
The backs remain unchanged. With flyhalf Max Burey stepping onto HBF Park for the first time in the blue jersey.
Siosifa Amone (#18) and Tim Anstee (#20) return to the match day 23, recovered from injury.
Western Force
Angus Warner, Folau Fainga’a, Tom Robertson, Jeremy Williams, Ryan McCauley, Michael Wells (c), Carlo Tizzano, Rahboni Vosayaco, Issak Fines-Leleiwasa, Max Burey, Manasa Mataele, Hamish Stewart, Sam Spink, Zach Kibirge, Chase Tiatia
Reserves. Tom Horton, Marley Pearce, Siosifa Amone, Felix Kalapu, Tim Anstee, Isi Naisarani, Ian Prior, George Poolman
Drua
Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (c), Samuela Tawake, Jone Koroiduadua, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Joseva Tamani, Vilive Miramira, Meli Derenalagi, Frank Lomani, Teti Tela, Taniela Rakuro, Kalaveti Ravouvou, Iosefo Masi, Eroni Sau, Ilaisa Droasese
Reserves. Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Jone Tiko, Etonia Waqa, Elia Canakaivata, Peni Matawalu, Caleb Muntz, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua Head Coach Mick Byrne has named his round 12 squad for the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific away game against the Western Force on Friday.
Making a return to this week’s starting 15 is ‘Big T’ – Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, who missed the last two games, while captain Meli Derenalagi, Eroni Sau and Jone Koroiduadua returning to the run-on side. All three came off the bench in last week’s historic win against the Hurricanes. Other players to make the matchday 23 this week Zuriel Togiatama, Jone Tiko, Caleb Muntz and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre.
Referee. Angus Gardner
Assistant Referees. Graham Cooper, Jordan Kaminski
PREDICTION. Well, a toss of the coin here .It all depends on discipline and taking points when on offer. The Force are at home which always helps. I am going to go the Drua only because they battled hard last week to beat the Hurricanes, but really either side could win this one.
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