WITH a place in the Rugby League World Cup final at stake, the Vodafone Fiji Bulikula have shuffled their starting line-up for Sunday’s showdown against defending champions Australia, keeping the same 22-player squad that dismantled France 54-6.
Having stormed into the last four with a commanding 54-6 triumph over France, the Bulikula will now turn their attention to an even tougher assignment at Allianz Stadium in Sydney, where a place in the final will be at stake.
Rather than disturb the squad that delivered their historic victory, the coaching staff have opted for continuity in personnel, although the starting line-up has undergone some changes.
Tahlia Marshall moves from the starting side to the interchange bench, while Lorren Ieli earns a starting position at prop.
Meanwhile, Leilani Ahsam shifts to lock and Talei Holmes moves into the back row, as the Bulikula prepare to match Australia’s physical challenge.
Teaghan Hartigan also features on the interchange, while Naomi Tegu and Rory Muller move to the reserves.
Nevertheless, the retention of all 22 players sends a clear message of confidence in the group that has carried Fiji through its maiden World Cup campaign.
For captain Sereana Naitokatoka, reaching the semi-finals at the team’s first Women’s Rugby League World Cup has been an experience difficult to put into words.
“It’s mind-blowing,” she said after the victory over France.
Beyond the excitement of making history, however, the players understand that their journey means much more than what happens on the field.
Taina Naividi believes the opportunity to represent Fiji is also about the people and communities whose support has helped them reach the world stage.
“You know the people in our village, girls in our village, boys in our village would love to have this opportunity so this all goes back to them,” Naividi said.
Vodafone Fiji Bulikula team:
Starting XIII: Cassie Staples, Maria Paseka, Isabella Waterman, Sienna Laing, Taina Naividi, Luisa Yaranamua, Losana Lutu, Latisha Smythe, Sereana Naitokatoka (captain), Lorren Ieli, Elizabeth Naleba, Talei Holmes, Leilani Ahsam.
Interchange: Tahlia Marshall, Teaghan Hartigan, Ema Masi, Aliti Namoce.
Reserves: Nanise Vakacavu, Naomi Tegu, Abigayle Sekitoga, Rory Muller, Ebony Laing
