The Crusaders have named four Fijian players in their starting team to face the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua in Round 3 of Super Rugby Pacific in Lautoka on Saturday.
George Bower start at tight-head prop, Manasa Mataele and Sevu Reece are on the wings while youngster Chay Fihaki is at fullback.
Levi Aumua, who shares links to Fiji is in the centres.
The defending champions have another Fijian in the form of Jone Rova, who is set to make his debut off the bench.
Both the Drua and the Crusaders are looking for their first win of the season, hungry to get a W under the belt and some points on the board.
Bower, George Bell and Fletcher Newell will pack down in the front, bolstered by captain Scott Barett and Quinten Strange, and loose forwards Dom Gardiner, Tom Christie and Cullen Grace. Experience coupled with power.
Willi Heinz steps into halfback with Taha Kemara starting again at 10.
Kemara debuted off this bench in Fiji this time last year before injuring his hand. He’ll be looking to redeem himself in the same arena this year.
Mataele starts on the left wing, his first game back in the colours since rejoining the Crusaders from the Western Force.
Reece is set to light up the right, he’s already scored three tries this season.
David Havili and Levi Aumua occupy the centre while Fihaki resumes the position at fullback, continuing to make the role his own.
Apart from Rova, Tahlor Cahill and Riley Hohepa are also set for their debut in Fiji.
The Drua vs Crusaders match kicks off at 1.05pm at Churchill Park.
