Six starters from the Drua named in Fiji team to take on the All Blacks

After making the Super Rugby Pacific playoffs for the first time in their history, the Fijian Drua have been rewarded with 12 national selections, while a mix of experienced veterans return.

The Flying Fijians have named six starters from the Drua, with six more on their bench to take on the All Blacks at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego. A number of vastly experienced Top 14 players complete the side.

 

World Cup hero Waisea Nayacalevu starts at centre and retains the captaincy under new head coach Mick Byrne, who takes over from Simon Rawailui who stepped down after last year’s campaign. Partnering Nayacalevu in the midfield is Inia Tabuavou of Racing 92.

Superstar winger Semi Radradra will play on the left wing, with Toulon’s Jiuta Wainiqolo on the right. Vilimoni Botitu of Castres completes the back three at fullback.

 

In the halves Frank Lomani partners Richie Mo’unga’s nephew, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, who was Super Rugby Pacific’s best goal kicker this season.

 

The pack is lead by the experience of Viliame ‘Bill’ Mata who starts at No 8. 23-year-old Kitione Salawa gets a start at openside, while Pau-based Lekima Tagitagivalu will start on the blindside.

 

Temo Mayanavanua of Northampton Saints and Isoa Nasilasila of the Drua start in the second row.

There is plenty of experience in the front row with tighthead Mesake Doge of the Dragons in the URC, while Drua hooker Tevita Ikanivere starts with Saracens loosehead Eroni Nawa.

 

Fiji team to play New Zealand:

 

1. Eroni Nawa

2. Tevita Ikanivere

3. Mesake Doge

4. Isoa Nasilasila

5. Temo Mayanavanua

6. Lekima Tagitagivalu

7. Kitione Salawa

8. Viliame Mata

9. Frank Lomani

10. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula

11. Semi Radradra

12. Inia Tabuavou

13. Waisea Nayacalevu

14. Jiuta Wainiqolo

15. Vilimoni Botitu

Reserves

 

16. Zuriel Togiatama

17. Haereiti Hetet

18. Samu Tawake

19. Albert Tuisue

20. Elia Canakaivata

21. Simione Kuruvoli

22. Caleb Muntz

23. Sireli Maqala

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