ROOSTER Chicken Fijian Drua Women’s Head Coach Ifereimi Rawaqa has named an unchanged starting lineup for their crucial Round 2 Smartech Super Rugby Women’s clash against the Queensland Reds in Lautoka this Saturday.
However, Rawaqa has made four changes to the bench as the Drua prepare to take on a strong Reds outfit. The team will also feature two sets of sisters, with Karalaini Naisewa and Keleni Marawa joining Salaseini and Setaita Railumu in the matchday squad.
A first-round victory over defending champions, the Waratahs Women, saw five Drua players named in the Super W Team of the Week, highlighting the squad’s strong start to the season.
In the starting 15, prop Salanieta Nabuli will start at loosehead, with captain Vika Matarugu (3) at tighthead prop. Keleni Marawa (2) starts at hooker.
In the middle row, Round 1’s Tropik Wood Top Tackler Mereoni Nakesa (4) partners Asinate Serevi (5). Rookie flankers Alfreda Fisher (6) and Salaseini Railumu (7) retain their blindside and openside flanker positions respectively after impressing in their debuts last week. Naisewa (8) is at number 8.
In the backline, Kolora Lomani (9) will start at halfback, partnering Salanieta Kinita (10) who is at flyhalf. Tough tackling Alowesi Nakoci retains her spot in the left wing with Repeka Tove (14) on the right wing. Josivini Naihamu (12) starts at inside centre with vice-captain Vitalina Naikore outside her. Luisa Tisolo (15) completes the starting line-up at fullback.
On the bench, Rawaqa has named Loraini Senivutu (16) as backup hooker, Ana Korovata will cover the loosehead prop role with Tiana Robanakadavu as back-up tight head. Merevesi Ofakimalino (19) makes a welcome return to Super Rugby W after two years, to cover for the locks. Nunia Daunimoala returns from injury (20) as back up for the loose forward trio. Setaita Railumu (21) will cover halfback with Litiana Vueti (22) covering flyhalf. Merewairita Neivosa (23) covers the rest of the backline.
