MCDONALD’S Fijian Drua Women captain Bitila Tawake says the side is eager to put on a strong performance in front of their home supporters when they face the Waratahs in a trial match at HFC Bank Stadium today.
Speaking ahead of the match, Tawake said the team is looking forward to playing their first and only game in Suva before the start of the new Super Rugby Women’s season.
“Our first and only game in Suva, it will be great to have our families come and support us. Honestly, we are excited for this opportunity and we just need to display our style of play,” she said.
Tawake acknowledged the challenge that awaits them against the Australian side, saying the Drua are fully aware of the quality the Waratahs bring into the contest.
“We know they are back-to-back champs, so we expect a tough opposition come Saturday. We’re just going to stick to our structure and game plan and trust the process. “It’s about execution and trusting our training that we have been doing.”
The experienced forward also shared her excitement about the new players who have joined the squad this season, saying their growth has been encouraging to watch.
“I’m excited for them, there’s a lot of them this year. We see them growing every day because when we senior girls leave from here, they take over from us.
“Really grateful for them, they bring in new skills as well,” Tawake added.
Head Coach Mike Legge has named a 28-member trial squad, which features a number of new players like Karavaki Lutumaibau, Ruth Raketekete, Michellae Stolz, Zipporah Sorokacika, Elesi Saukuru, Selai Naliva, Keri Lawavou, Vilisi Tivalele, Varanisese Qoro, Aqela Raitubu, Vika Nakacia and Ivamere Nabura. Legge has also included two players from the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team – Kelera Roqorua and Vatiseva Cavuru to pull on the Drua jersey for this trial. In the starting 15, Karalaini Naisewa (1) will start at loosehead prop with Tiana Robanakadavu (3) at tighthead prop and captain Bitila Tawake (2) at hooker. Carletta Yee (4) will start at lock partnering Karavaki Lutumaibau (5) in the middle row. Loose forward Nunia Daunimoala (6) starts at blindside flanker position with Alfreda Fisher (7) to start at openside. Sulita Waisega (8) is the number 8 loose forward. In the backline, Evivi Senikarivi (9), starts at halfback partnering Imeri Nai (10) who is at flyhalf. Repeka Tove (11) returns to start on the left wing Michellae Stolz (14) on the right wing. Josivini Naihamu (12) starts at inside centre with Ruth Raketekete (13) to start outside her. Litiana Vueti (15) is at fullback.
