FLYING winger Atelaite Buna will make her return for the McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women in Saturday’s round three Super Rugby W clash against the Brumbies at Four R Stadium, Govind Park in Ba.
Head coach Mike Legge has named the former Jasper Williams High School student on the right wing as the Drua Women prepare to play their first match in Ba this season.
Originally from Kese in Yasawa, with maternal links to Narewa, Nadi, Buna returns fresh from her Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s commitments.
Legge has also included Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s captain Verenaisi Ditavutu in the matchday squad, where she could make her Drua debut after joining the team this week.
The squad is further strengthened by the return of powerful loose forward Sulita Waisega and dynamic centre Merewairita Neivosa from injury, while experienced lock Mereoni Nakesa also returns to the second row.
Fans are expected to enjoy a full day of rugby action at Four R Stadium.
Hometown side Ba Women will face Lautoka Women in a trial match at 9.30am. This will be followed by a clash between the Drua Junior Development team and the Ba Rugby Under-17 side at 11.30am.
In the forwards, Karalaini Naisewa starts at loosehead prop, Keleni Marawa comes in at hooker and Tiana Robanakadavu retains the tighthead prop position. Mereoni Nakesa partners Carletta Yee in the second row, while Nunia Daunimoala and Salaseini Railumu join Sulita Waisega in the back row.
Kolora Lomani captains the side from halfback with Varanisese Qoro in the halves. Repeka Tove starts on the left wing, with Buna on the right.
Josivini Naihamu starts at inside centre alongside Merewairita Neivosa, while Litiana Vueti retains the fullback role.
The bench features Bitila Tawake, Zipporah Sorokacika, Keri Lawavou, Karavaki Lutumaibau, Alfreda Fisher, Evivi Senikarivi, Verenaisi Ditavutu and Michella’e Stolz.
The Drua Women will be aiming to continue their winning momentum when they host the Brumbies at 2pm on Saturday.
Drua Women match-day 23;
1. Karalaini Naisewa
2. Keleni Marawa
3. Tiana Robanakadavu
4. Mereoni Nakesa
5. Carletta Yee
6. Nunia Daunimoala
7. Salaseini Railumu
8. Sulita Waisega
9. Kolora Lomani (c)
10. Varanisese Qoro
11. Repeka Tove
12. Josivini Naihamu
13. Merewairita Neivosa
14. Atelaite Buna
15. Litiana Vueti
Impact:
16. Bitila Tawake
17. Zipporah Sorokacika
18. Keri Lawavou
19. Karavaki Lutumaibau
20. Alfreda Fisher
21. Evivi Senikarivi
22. Verenaisi Ditavutu
23. Michella’e Stolz
Atelaite Buna at the Fijian Drua’s homebase in Legalega, Nadi earlier this week. Picture: FIJIAN DRUA
