The progress of the Swire Shipping Fijian Drua to qualify for the Shop N Save Super Rugby Pacific play-offs, rest on the outcome of tomorrow night’s clash against the NSW Waratahs at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney, Australia.

Despite the Drua taking confidence of the two near misses, head coach Glen Jackson knows beating the Waratahs and keeping in touch with the top contenders is very crucial at this time.

“We’ve picked up two points out of the game, so it’s half a win, and we’ve just got to understand that this is a massively different competition to last year,” Jackson said as this year’s format will see the top six teams qualifying for the playoffs when compared to eight teams in the previous years.

Jackson kept to his word by making changes in the line-up, a move he has termed as ‘refresh policy’. Co-captain Tevita Ikanivere leads the charge from hooker with Haereiti Hetet and Samuela Tawake at props. Jackson has opted for the experienced lock pairing of Leone Rotuisolia and Isoa Nasilasila. Rookie openside flanker Motikiai Murray retains the No.7 jumper with Joseva Tamani at blindside flanker and Meli Derenalagi moved back at No.8.

Simione Kuruvoli is at halfback with Caleb Muntz at first five eight. Jackson has retained the centre partnership of Inia Tabuavou and Tuidraki Samusamuvodre. Vuate Karawalevu is on the wings with Ponipate Loganimasi while Ilaisa Droasese is at fullback.

Backrower Etonia Waqa will get his first Super Rugby game this season after being named on the reserve bench. Suaalii out

Meanwhile, Waratahs star utility back Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has been ruled out for the match due to a toe injury.

In a press statement, Waratahs coach Dan McKellar said: “Joseph is carrying a toe injury. We haven’t got all the details yet, but hopefully that’s short term.

“He pulled up sore but recovered quite well and we thought he would be right for this week, but unfortunately he is not.”

However, McKellar has named a powerful forward pack led by experienced front row of props Angus Bell and Taniela Tupou along with David Porecki at hooker.

Former Melbourne Rebels captain, Rob Leota is at blindside flanker with France bound Langi Glesson at No.8. Veteran halfback Jake Gordon captains the Waratahs with the return of strong running centre Lalakai Foketi at No.12 while the speed merchants of Darby Lancaster, Max Jorgenson and Andrew Kellaway are the back three.

The match kicks-off at 8.35pm

LINE-UPS

DRUA: 1. Haereiti Hetet, 2. Tevita Ikanivere (captain), 3. Samuela Tawake, 4. Isoa Nasilasila, 5. Leone Rotuisolia, 6. Joseva Tamani, 7. Motikiai Murray, 8. Meli Derenlagi, 9. Simione Kuruvoli, 10. Caleb Muntz, 11. Vuate Karawalevu, 12. Inia Tabuavou, 13. Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, 14. Ponipate Loganimasi, 15. Ilaisa Droasese. Replacements: 16. Mesulame Dolokoto, 17. Livai Natave, 18. Mesake Doge, 19. Etonia Waqa, 20. Kitione Salawa, 21. Peni Matawalu, 22. Isaiah Armstrong-Ravula, 23. Kemu Valetini

WARATAHS: 1. Angus Bell, 2. Dave Porecki, 3. Taniela Tupou, 4. Hugh Sinclair, 5. Miles Amatosero, 6. Rob Leota, 7. Charlie Gamble, 8. Langi Gleeson, 9. Jake Gordon (captain), 10. Tane Edmed, 11. Darby Lancaster, 12. Lalakai Foketi, 13. Henry O’Donnell, 14. Max Jorgensen, 15. Andrew Kellaway. Replacements: 16. Mahe Vailanu, 17. Isaac Kailea, 18. Siosifa Arnone, 19. Ben Grant, 20. Jamie Adamson, 21. Teddy Wilson, 22. Jack Bowen, 23. Tristan Reilly

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj