Vodafone Fijiana head coach Ioan Cunningham has named five debutants in its match-day squad for their opening match of the Oceania Rugby Women’s Championship.
Of the five debutants, two are just 19 years of age in Salote Nailolo from Namara in Tailevu and New Zealand-based Michella’e Stolz.
Other debutants include former Lautoka fullback Litiana Vueti, Suva rugby hooker Selai Naliva and Namuqalo Komaitai who is a member of the British Army.
Vueti is on the run-on list while the others will come off the bench.
Coach Cunningham highlighted the mix of experience and fresh talent in the squad.
“Selection is always a challenge. We’re looking at more than just talent, adaptability, mental toughness, and how players thrive in unfamiliar environments all come into play. We’ve seen how some players have grown from the Wallaroos match, and now we want to see continued progress in key areas like territory control and tackle accuracy.”
Cunnigham has made some positional changes with Bitila Tawake and Tiana Robanakadavu now starting in the front row alongside Loraini Senivutu, who has forced her way into the starting XV.
Captain Alfreda Fisher shifts from number 6 to 7 while Nunia Daunioala starts at blindside flanker from locks.
Setaita Railumu starts at halfback, while Vueti will debut at fullback replacing Luisa Tisolo.
“Against the Wallaroos, we had just 31 per cent territory and missed 41 tackles. We’ve set internal benchmarks, we want better territory stats, ideally 50 per cent or more, and to reduce missed tackles to under 15 per match.
“More than just winning, success for us means improving performance, clarity in our game plan, and inspiring our people.”
“This tournament is an opportunity to build legacy, that in 2025, this is what the Fijiana did in Oceania. It sets the platform for future success, including preparations for the World Cup,” the head coach added.
Fijiana take on Tonga today, 2pm at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
Lineup: Loraini Senivutu, Bitila Tawake, Tiana Robanakadavu, Jade Coates, Mereoni Nakesa, Nunia Daunioala, Alfreda Fisher (captain), Rusila Nagasau, Setaita Railumu, Salanieta Kinita, Atelaite Buna, Josifini Neihamu, Ema Adivitaloga, Repeka Tove, Litiana Vueti, Selai Naliva, Salanieta Nabuli, Bulou Wainikiti Vasuturaga, Asinate Serevi, Manuqalo Noame Komaitai, Kolora Lomani, Salote Nailolo and Michella’e Stolz.
