It’s a proud moment for Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s head coach, Mosese Rauluni, as he prepares to lead his side to their first home semi-final tomorrow night at HFC Stadium.
“I feel good and have big shoes to fill after Senirusi and Male won the competition, we’ve got a lot of new girls, and the season has been quite impressive.
“We have a lot of injuries and really impressed coming back after all that putting in a fight to get us to this position.
“It’s great to be home and coaching these girls who have put in alot of effort to the team,” Rauluni said.
Former captain Bitila Tawake has made her return to the team and will provide cover for the props.
In the front row, Salanieta Nabuli (1) retains her place at loosehead prop. Keleni Marawa (2) is starting hooker alongside the powerhouse prop Anasimeci Korovata (3) who returns to the starting 15 at tighthead. The locking combination of Jade Coates (4) and Asinate Serevi (5) again features in the middle row.
The starting backrow also remains the same, with Nunia Daunimoala (6) at blindside flanker, Sulita Waisega (7) at openside and captain Karalaini Naisewa retaining her place at number 8 loose forward.
Setaita Railumu (9) is back at halfback this week alongside Jeniffer Ravutia (10) who returns at flyhalf.
Adita Milinia (11) will pair with Merewairita Neivosa (14) on the wings.
Merewalesi Rokouono (12) will replace the injured Merewai Cumu at second five, partnering the exciting Vani Arei (13) who is at outside centre.
Speed merchant Atelaite Buna (15), Tonezzz Player of the Match twice consecutively, will start at fullback again.
Providing cover on the bench at hooker is Litia Marama (16). Tawake (17) returns as reserve loosehead prop this week. Vika Matarugu (18) completes the reserve front row at tighthead.
Mereoni Nakesa (19) and Fulori Rotagavira (20) will cover for the middle and back rows respectively.
Evivi Senikarivi (21) is back up halfback, while Salanieta Kinita (22) is the reserve flyhalf. Repeka Tove (23) covers the rest of the backline.
The Fijian Drua is calling on fans to cheer on the Women in their first ever home semi-final as the team continues their quest for a historic three-peat title run.
The match kicks off at 4.35pm.
