THE McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women have named a settled side as they prepare for a blockbuster Super Rugby Women semi-final showdown against the Queensland Reds at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday.
With a place in the grand final on the line, the Drua will also be chasing redemption after falling to the Reds in last season’s semi-final at Ballymore.
It will be the second consecutive year the two sides meet in the knockout stages of the competition.
Churchill Park is expected to be packed as fans rally behind the Super Rugby Women minor premiers, who earned the right to host a home semi-final after an impressive regular season.
Head coach Mike Legge has shown faith in the squad that secured top spot, making just one change to the 23-player matchday squad from the team’s final regular season outing three weeks ago.
The forward pack sees Karalaini Naisewa start at loosehead prop, with Keleni Marawa at hooker and Tiana Robanakadavu at tighthead.
Mereoni Nakesa and Carletta Yee combine in the second row, while Nunia Daunimoala, Salaseini Railumu and Sulita Waisega complete the loose forward trio.
Captain Kolora Lomani will direct play from halfback alongside flyhalf Varanisese Qoro. Josivini Naihamu and Merewairita Neivoha form the midfield pairing, while Aqela Raitubu and Atelaite Buna occupy the wings. Litiana Vueti starts at fullback.
The bench features experienced campaigners, including Bitila Tawake, Zipporah Sorokacika, Keri Lawavou, Karavaki Lutumaibau, Alfreda Fisher and Evivi Senikarivi.
Returning utility back Ivamere Rokowati has been named among the reserves, while former Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s captain Verenaisi Ditavutu completes the matchday 23 and provides cover across the back three.
McDonald’s Fiji Drua Women’s most-capped player, Karalaini Naisewa, is set to become the first player in club history to reach 30 caps this Saturday.
Head coach Mike Legge has declared the squad is under no illusions about the enormity of the task at hand as they host Fiji’s second only Super Rugby W semi-final.
The Drua will be hoping home-ground advantage and the passionate Lautoka crowd can inspire them to overcome the Reds and book a second Super Rugby Women grand final appearance.
The Super W home semi-final match kicks start at 1pm this Saturday.
