Flying Fijians fullback Ilaisa Droasese has recovered from a knee injury and headlines the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua’s match-day squad for the big home clash against the Crusaders in Lautoka on Saturday.
Also making their first starts of the season are Haereiti Hetet, Jone Koroiduadua and Vilive Miramira.
Hetet will start at loosehead to partner Tevita Ikanivere at hooker and Koroiduadua at tighthead.
Mesake Vocevoce gets another start in the middle row and will pair with Ratu Leone Rotuisolia.
Etonia Waqa is at blindside flanker with Miramira on the openside.
Meli Derenalagi will captain the side at number 8.
The starting halves are Frank Lomani and Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula.
Epeli Momo swaps wings this week to start on the left, with Selestino Ravutaumada returning to the right wing.
Apisalome Vota and Iosefo Masi remain at inside and outside centre respectively while Droasese dons the number 15 jumper this week for his first 2024 appearance.
On the bench, hooker Mesulame Dolokoto and props Livai Natave and Mesake Doge are the backup front row.
The experience of Flying Fijian locks Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta will come in handy later in the match for the middle row, with Elia Canakaivata as back-up loose forward.
Expect Simione Kuruvoli to be injected into the match at scrumhalf alongside sharpshooter Kemu Valetini.
Last week’s debutant Junior Ratuva makes it to the match-day 23 again as backline cover.
The Drua vs Crusaders match kicks off at 1.05pm at Churchill Park.
