Flying Fijians halfback Frank Lomani will be making his 50th Super Rugby Pacific appearance when the Fijian Drua face the Western Force at Churchill Park on Saturday.
Lomani, one of the senior players in the team has previously represented the Melbourne Rebels in the competition as well.
The Nukubalavu native from Savusavu will be one of the leaders on the field with hooker Tevita Ikanivere who has been given the captain’s armband this week as Meli Derenalagi is rested.
Coach Mick Byrne has made three changes to the team.
Kitione Salawa and Elia Canakaivata join the back row while winger Epeli Momo returns to the backline that beat the Waratahs.
Former Fiji U20 utility back Waqa Nalaga is to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench.
Last weekend’s hero, Kemu Valetini has not made the cut this week.
The Drua vs Western Force men’s match will kick-off at 1.05pm, with the Drua women playing the Western Force women in the Super Rugby W match at 3.35pm.
Drua starting team (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Tevita Ikanivere (C), Mesake Doge, Mesake Vocevoce, Leone Rotuisolia, Etonia Waqa, Kitione Salawa, Elia Canakaivata, Frank Lomani, Isaiah Armstrong- Ravula, Epeli Momo, Apisalome Vota, Iosefo Masi, Selestino Ravutaumada and Ilaisa Droasese.
Reserves– Zuriel Togiatama, Livai Natave, Samuela Tawake, Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta, Motikiai Murray, Simione Kuruvoli, Waqa Nalaga, Taniela Rakuro.
