The Fijiana Drua have announced the team line-up for their debut in the 2022 Super W Competition.
Fijiana Drua in action during a friendly against the Queensland Reds. February 2022 Photo: Queensland Reds
The women will play their inaugural match on Saturday when they take on Melbourne Rebels in Round One of the 2022 Super W Competition.
The Senirusi Seruvakula coached side is stacked with a mix of local and overseas-based players, all of whom will be making their Super W debuts.
Seruvakula has named 19 local players in the team for Saturday all of whom have international playing experience having featured for the Fijiana XV's in during the Rugby World Cup qualification in 2019.
Seruvakula says he expects the team's first match to be a tough one but he is confident that they will play to the best of their ability.
"We haven't played in any international tournaments since the extended squad was named more than two years ago. It will be a big test for us, but I know the players will play their hearts out on Saturday," he said.
"The Melbourne Rebels is a very experienced side that has been playing together for the past three years, so I have reminded the players to remain consistent, maintain discipline and play according to the game plan."
With the Melbourne Rebels home advantage Seruvakula is expecting a tough battle, but he has urged his team to play with full confidence.
"We have a very young and new team with many first-timers. Definitely, the nerves and excitement will be there but we need to get in the game quickly and play the full 80 minutes with confidence, patience and cool heads," Seruvakula said.
Bitila Tawake has been named the captain of the side and is confident of a good outing against a strong Melbourne Rebels.
"I'm so excited to lead this exciting and enthusiastic pack and with the assistance of the experienced players my job on the field will also become easy," said Tawake.
Fijiana Drua takes on the Melbourne Rebels this Saturday at 5.30pm (AEST) at the Endeavor Hills Rugby Club Grounds in Melbourne.
Fijiana Drua Team
1.Vika Matarugu,2.Jiowana Sauto 3.Karalaini Naisewa, 4.Doreen Narokete, 5.Jade Coates, 6.Sereima Leweniqila, 7. Ema Adivitaloga, 8.Bitila Tawake (Captain), 9. Rusila Tamoi, 10. Merewalesi Rokouono (Vice Captain), 11.Vitalina Naikore, 12. Mela Matanatabu, 13. Litiana Lawedrau, 14. Kolora Lomani, 15.Roela Radiniyavuni
Reserves:
16.Mereoni Namositava, 17. Keleni Marawa, 18.Joma Rubuti, 19.Torika Vakalala, 20Teresia Tinanivalu, 21.Rejieli Uluinayau, 22.Timaima Ravisa, 23.Temalesi Sigarara
