Fiji Under-20 captain Motikiai Murray named in the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua side to take on the Crusaders

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Fiji Under-20 captain Motikiai Murray is the openside flanker in the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua side named to take on the Crusaders this Saturday. Picture FIJIAN DRUA.

THE Swire Shipping Fijian Drua side that will take on the Crusaders in the historic Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific quarterfinal this Saturday will feature Fiji Under-20 captain Motikiai Murray at openside flanker.

He is the only new member in the side announced by head coach Mick Byrne today which includes front rowers – Haereiti Hetet (1) at loosehead prop, Mesake Doge (3) at tighthead, and Tevita Ikanivere (2) as starting hooker.

A change to the second row sees Isoa Nasilasila (4) this week partner with the returning Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta (5).

Vilive Miramira (6) moves to blindside flanker position with Murray (7) making his debut on the openside.

Captain Meli Derenalagi (8) will be the number 8 loose forward.

The starting halves remain the same this week with Frank Lomani (9) at halfback partnering with Caleb Muntz (10) at flyhalf. After an impressive performance in last week’s victory over Reds, Kalaveti Ravouvou (11) stays on the left wing to partner with Selestino Ravutaumada (14) who moves back to right wing.

Teti Tela (12) remains at inside centre with Iosefo Masi (13) at outside centre. Ilaisa Droasese (15) is back to complete the starting 15 at fullback.

On the bench, Zuriel Togiatama (16) is cover for hooker, Meli Tuni (17) is loosehead cover and Samuela Tawake (18) is replacement tighthead prop. Etonia Waqa (19) will  cover the middle row, while Elia Canakaivata (20) is the back up loose forward. Peni Matawalu (21) will come off the bench as replacement halfback, while Michael Naitokani (22) and Eroni Sau (23) will cover the backline.

The Drua will battle defending Super Rugby Champions, the Crusaders at Orangetheory Stadium in Christchurch this Saturday at 7.05pm.

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