Super Rugby Pacific: Tela one point away from 100

Teti Tela is one point away from becoming the first Swire Shipping Fijian Drua player to cross the 100 point mark in Super Rugby.

The fly-half has been named to start in the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific round four match against the Queensland Reds on Sunday.

Head coach Mick Byrne has “trust” in Tela to lead the Drua pack at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane despite the 32-year-old having “a bad day” at the office with his boots against the Crusaders last Saturday.

“I trust Tela,” Byrne said earlier this week.

“Obviously, Teti (Tela) was disappointed but at the same time he is kicking very well in training and he just had one of those days.

“I believe in Teti Tela. Last year, I think he was the third best goal-kicker in the Super Rugby Pacific competition.”

Meanwhile, club captain Meli Derenalagi will lead the side for the first time this season against the Reds.

The Olympic Games gold medallist missed the first two rounds of competition after returning to the field last week in the win against the Crusaders.

All of the 23 from last week have been retained, but Byrne has mixed up the starting 15 and the impact players.

The match kicks off at 5pm (Fiji time).

Starting XV:

1. Meli Tuni 2. Tevita Ikanivere 3. Samuela Tawake 4. Isoa Nasilasila 5. Te Ahiwaru Cirikidaveta 6. Joseva Tamani 7. Kitione Salawa 8. Meli Derenalagi (C) 9. Frank Lomani 10. Teti Tela 11. Eroni Sau 12. Apisalome Vota 13. Iosefo Masi 14. Selestino Ravutaumada 15. Ilaisa Droasese

Impact players:

16. Mesulame Dolokoto 17. Emosi Tuqiri 18. Jone Koroiduadua 19. Leone Rotuisolia 20. Elia Canakaivata 21. Peni Matawalu 22. Kemu Valetini 23. Kalaveti Ravouvou