McDonald’s Fijian Drua Women fly-half Varanisese Qoro is determined to deliver one of her best performances when she plays in her first home Super W semi-final in front of family, friends and local supporters this weekend.
The former Adi Cakobau School sprinter made her Super W debut against the NSW Waratahs at Leichhardt Oval earlier this season and has quickly established herself as one of the competition’s exciting young playmakers.
Since her debut, Qoro has made an immediate impact, earning the Fans’ Player of the Match award after scoring a brace of tries in the Drua’s thrilling 29-24 victory over the Western Force at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
The 21-year-old said improving her goal-kicking has been one of the biggest challenges since joining the Drua.
“When I played my debut game, my kicking wasn’t good enough. After the coach told me I would be the team’s kicker for the game against Western Force, I kept training and believed in myself that I could do better,” Qoro said.
Nicknamed “Hot Heels” during her athletics days because of her explosive pace, the former Nadi fly-half is excited to run out in front of a home crowd in a historic Super W semi-final against the Queensland Reds.
“I put everything before God ahead of this home semi-final because I know we will have great support on Saturday. I want to make our supporters proud,” she said.
Qoro said the team continues to work on improving its combinations in both attack and defence as they prepare for one of the biggest matches of the season.
“There are still areas we need to improve so we can build stronger connections in both attack and defence.”
While her focus remains on helping the Drua reach another Super W final, Qoro has her sights set on an even bigger goal.
“I have a dream of becoming a Fijiana representative, and I believe one day I will wear the Fiji jersey at the Women’s Rugby World Cup.”
Qoro also called on her family, supporters and the vanua o Betoraurau to turn out in numbers and rally behind the team in Saturday’s knockout clash.
The Fijian Drua Women will take on the Queensland Reds this Saturday at 1.05pm at Churchill Park in Lautoka.
