PLYMOUTH Albion boss Graham Dawe feels Tongan international duo Sione Tu'ipulotu and Keni Fisilau are bringing the best out of each other.

The long-time friends have formed an impressive centre partnership during Albion's last two matches against the Cornish Pirates and Exeter.

Tu'ipulotu has taken over the number 12 shirt after originally beginning the season at scrum-half, while Fisilau, now fully fit after two injury-plagued seasons, has moved into the number 13 slot.

And the switch seems to have worked with the experienced pair making a real impact in the two derby matches.

"I think Keni enjoys playing alongside his fellow countryman," said chairman of rugby Dawe.

"Hopefully, they are inspiring each other and putting pressure on each other.

"Thirteen is not Keni's natural position, but he understands the role well.

"Sione is a very good passer and has got a lot of vision. They do seem to compliment each other.

"On Saturday, Keni was some people's man of the match, while the sponsors gave it to Sione, but there were also some other good performances."

Along with prop Danny Porte and hooker James Owen, Fisilau and Tu'ipulotu are the only regular first team players over the age of 30 at Albion.

Dawe, though, has been delighted with the contributions of all four of his elder statesmen.

"Very much so," said the Albion boss, who saw Porte score his first try in Plymouth colours last weekend. "As I keep saying experience counts for a lot."

However, the form of Tu'ipulotu, who joined the club this summer, and Fisilau, who has been at Albion since 2001, has meant that new Spanish signing Jaime Nava and up-and-coming hopeful Steve Johns are having to be patient.

And their hopes of forcing their way into the first team could be made even harder once last season's top try scorer Matt Hopper returns from an ankle injury that has kept him out since April.

Ben Mercer, who played on the wing on Saturday, also sees 13 as he best position – so there is plenty of competition for places in the centre.

Of Albion's six recognised centres, Nava and Johns are the only ones yet to make starts in Albion colours.

Nava did make a brief appearances as a replacement against Bedford, but he has not made the bench in Albion's last two matches.

"Jaime has been working extremely hard since he arrived," said Dawe. "While Steve Johns has been working hard for months.

"Jaime played very well on Sunday against Redruth. He was not on the bench in the last two games. But it has been about getting the right balance on the bench.

"But an opportunity for him or Steve Johns could arise at any moment."

Meanwhile, utility back Geoff Griffiths underwent an operation yesterday on his broken foot.

Albion's vice-captain is not expected to play against until at least January.

READ THE 'INSIDE ALBION' COLUMN WITH IRISHMAN RUAIRI CUSHION IN TODAY'S HERALD