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Fijian Drua
5
Match Complete
Blues
34
| S. Ravutaumada |  | 75 | ||
| 67 |  | B. Barrett | ||
| 66 | | C. Forbes | ||
| 46 | | A. Ta'avao | ||
| 35 | | B. Barrett | ||
| 34 | | J. Fusitu'a | ||
| 28 |  | B. Barrett | ||
| 22 | | B. Barrett | ||
| 21 | | T. Funaki | ||
| 6 | | M. Renata |
| 1 | Tries | 5 | ||
| 0 | Conversions | 3 | ||
| 0 | Penalty Goals | 1 | ||
| 0 | Field Goals | 0 |
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The Blues have named a largely unchanged side to play the Fijian Drua in Suva on Friday (5.05pm AEST). Join The Roar for live updates.
Head coach Vern Cotter has made just two changes to the starting XV that delivered a convincing win over the Western Force in Round 12.
Corey Evans earns a start at fullback, while AJ Lam runs out on the left wing after a late change saw him come off the bench last week.
Stephen Perofeta drops out of the match day 23 through injury, with Zarn Sullivan returning to the reserves alongside Harry Plummer and Finlay Christie.
Vern Cotter said his side is looking to continue their momentum in what will be a tough test against the Drua.
“We were much more consistent throughout the game against Force, and this is another important step for us,” said Cotter.
“The Drua are a dangerous side and play with flair. They will be confident in front of their home fans, so we need to bring high intensity from the start and feed off the energy.”
Injury has forced Drua flanker Etonia Waqa out this week, meaning Josefa Tamani gets a start and youngster Sailosi Vukalokalo is in line for a Super Rugby Pacific debut off the bench.
DRUA (1-15): Haereiti Hetet, Zuriel Togiatama, Mesake Doge (c), Mesake Vocevoce, Isoa Nasilasila, Joseva Tamani, Isoa Tuwai, Kitione Salawa, Simione Kuruvoli, Kemu Valetini, Taniela Rakuro, Inia Tabuavou, Vuate Karawalevu, Selestino Ravutaumada, Ponipate Loganimasi
Replacements: Tevita Ikanivere, Peni Ravai, Samuela Tawake, Sailosi Vukalokalo, Elia Canakiavata, Philip Baselala, Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, Isikeli Rabitu
BLUES (1-15): Joshua Fusitu’a, Ricky Riccitelli, Marcel Renata, Patrick Tuipulotu (c), Laghlan McWhannell, Anton Segner, Dalton Papali’i, Hoskins Sotutu, Taufa Funaki, Beauden Barrett, AJ Lam, Xavi Taele, Rieko Ioane, Cole Forbes, Corey Evans
Replacements: Kurt Eklund, Mason Tupaea, Angus Ta’avao, Josh Beehre, Adrian Choat, Finlay Christie, Harry Plummer, Zarn Sullivan
Referee: Nic Berry
Assistant Referees: Jeremy Markey, Matt Kellahan
TMO: Damon Murphy
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Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.