TAILEVU coach Lance Whippy has named former Flying Fijian Iliesa Keresoni at fullback in his run-on team to face Nadroga in the opening Farebrother-Sullivan Trophy challenge match tomorrow at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.
Whippy has moved Keresoni to his usual berth after the former Lelean Memorial School Deans trophy winning captain had played on the wing during the Digicel Cup semi-final loss to Naitasiri two weeks ago.
Apart from Keresoni's move to fullback, Whippy has made five changes in the Tailevu starting fifteen to face the Stallions.
Whippy has rested forwards Jale Sassen, Tevita Rabukawaqa and Mosese Vasuitoga while in the backs Nemani Turagaulu and Jaoji Dakuvula also miss out.
National under-20 prop Sassen, Vasuitoga and Dakuvula have all been named in the reserves and may later be given game time in Nadi. The five new players who have forced their way into the starting team are Sakeo Latianara, Manasa Tuidraki, Daveta Koroitakali, Jovesa Tanikorolevu, Tomasi Sivo and Kinijoji Maivalili.
Whippy said Tailevu had been preparing well as they knew Nadroga would not be easy to beat.
Whippy said they had to lift their preparations to another level as they would be facing the champions this weekend.
Nadroga has also made some changes to their starting line-up for tomorrow's clash.
Coach Esala Nauga has brought in former Lautoka flanker Epeli Qativi for Sailosi Rabonaqica in the forwards while in the backline Etonia Bula, Jovesa Kunawave and Samisoni Viriviri have all forced their way into the starting line-up.
Suva referee Misaele Petero has been selected to referee the game and he will be assisted by Samu Tuidraki and Kaveni Talemaivalagi.
The game kicks off at 3pm.
Tailevu: Sakeo Latianara, Manasa Tuidraki, Mosese Sela,Daveta Koroitakali, Jovesa Tanikorolevu, Leone Nakarawa, Inia Tukere, Saula Radidi/Esiria Vueti, Henry Seniloli, Sunia Bainivalu, Sanaila Vitau, Vilive Aria/Manueli Gade, Tomasi Sivo, Kinijoji Maivalili, Iliesa Keresoni.
Reserves: Meli Neori/Jovilisi Rokoiri, Jale Sassen, Mosese Vasuitoga, Saula Radidi/Vilikesa, Aisea Druma, Sevuloni Lutu, Jaoji Dakuvula
Nadroga: Peni Ravai, Seremaia Naureure, Setefano Samoca, Manoa Tamaya, Sekonaia Kalou, Epeli Qativi, Etonia Nabaiki, Rt Mosese Volavola, Etonia Bula, Jonetani Ralulu, Aisea Natoga, Jovesa Kunawave, Adriu Delai, Apisalome Waqatabu, Samisoni Viriviri.
Reserves: Rt Seru Cakobau, Rt Penijamini Makutu, Apisai Domolailai, Epeli Natuikata, Sakiusa Gavidi, Ratunaisa Vatuinaruku, Mesulame Soga