Veteran Swire Shipping Fijian Drua hooker Mesulame Dolokoto will be given the captaincy’s job against the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday night.
This was confirmed yesterday by Drua head coach Glen Jackson indicating that co-captain Frank Lomani has been rested due to a shoulder injury.
“Unfortunately, our captain, Frank Lomani, went off pretty early (against Crusaders) with a dislocated shoulder,” he said.
“He’s had a few issues with that shoulder, so we find it the right thing to do to look after him. Frank needs to have surgery, mostly because he needs to be back for the November tests as well, representing our country, but also then get him back for the beginning of Super Rugby.
“Frank tried hard to look after that shoulder but unfortunately it succumbed to another dislocation, which is disappointing for him and the club but we’ll look after that.”
With Lomani’s unavailability has opened up the opportunity for rookie halfback Philip Baselala.
Jackson said Baselala is going to start from the bench in this weekend’s encounter.
The other co-captain Tevita Ikanivere has been struggling with his lineout throws and had buttered fingers in losing crucial balls several times against the Crusaders.
Backrow Etonia Waqa received a H.I.A (Head Injury Assessment), after a fantastic try where he ran 70 metres.
“He’s having another week off, unfortunately, with an H.I.A. Other than that, we’re pretty good,” he said.
Jackson has faith in Dolokoto to take on the leadership.
“He’s been a great leader for us as well off the field. Hasn’t had a lot of minutes on, but excited to see him play. And again, he’s been here since day one, played a lot of rugby, not only in Fiji but also in New Zealand, so he’ll take over the leadership.
“We’ve also got Masi (Iosefo) in the background.”
Last week the Drua went with a 6-2 split (forwards-backs) on the bench, this week it won’t be and replacement loose forward Vilive Miramira is expected to start.
“We still got Elia Canakaivata and young (Isoa) Tuwai. He had a fantastic game, so it’s exciting for him to have another game. Motukai
Murray comes back next week from suspension. In terms of our balance, Eto will only be out for one week.”
Jackson added that against the NSW Waratahs in Lautoka, the side should be back to full strength.
Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj
Related News
15 Apr, 2025
Cancer care in the UK ‘at breaking point . . .
06 Jun, 2025
Business News | Ahmedabad Airport Achiev . . .
25 Apr, 2025
Bombshell rumour in Aussie game show war
18 Apr, 2025
Club docked points over shock Kyle Laffe . . .
01 Apr, 2025
Armaan Malik And Aashna Shroff Celebrate . . .
08 May, 2025
When is French Open draw? Projected seed . . .
17 Apr, 2025
Paul O'Connell to lead Ireland on Summer . . .
18 Apr, 2025
Cayman: Local Observers Outline Domestic . . .