Fijiana Drua lost to the Reds in the earlier rounds of the competition. Photo: Fiji rugby Union
Fijiana Drua coach Inoke Male wants his players to "give their best" when they go up against the Queensland Reds to defend their Super W title in Townsville tonight.
The Fijian side, despite losing early matches in the series this year, jumped back to finals contention, and getting the right to defend their title after they shocked the favourites Waratahs last week.
A back-to-back win is on now within grasp for the Fijian side.
The team has been faced several challenges, including having to be fed by Fijian community members in Brisbane and Sydney in the past three weeks.
They also had to wash their own playing kits and clothes in the showers at their team camp due to financial issues at the Fiji Rugby Union.
Male said the players have been under a lot of pressure on and off the field.
"The semifinal win was a show of strength and resistance on their part," the former Flying Fijian loose forward said.
"And that is all I can ask for as a coach, for them to give their best."
Male took on the role of Fijiana Drua head coach from Senirusi Seruvakala, who led the women to winning the title in their debut season last year.
With only nine players from the 2022 season available to continue with the team this season, Male had to start from recruiting new players.
They have not disappointed him so far.
On Saturday, the side will remember well that the Reds beat them 45-22 during the round-robin week 5 clash.
But Male has made a couple of changes to their lineup for the final.
Captain Bitila Tawake moves to loosehead prop, allowing Keleni Marawa to start at hooker.
Evivi Senikarivi earns a start in the halves alongside Jennifer Ravutia after her positive injection from the bench last week.
This pushes Setaita Railumu to the reserves, joined by Wainikiti Vosadrau and Laisani Moceisawana
Fulori Naqura is the new face in the reserves, replacing Makereta Tunidau.
Meanwhile, the Reds have also named their lineup for the final.
Simon Craig has kept the same 23 that defeated the ACT Brumbies last week in Sydney, with captain Shannon Parry leading the way.
Wallaroos centre Cecilia Smith has overcome a head knock, passing the required concussion tests to be cleared to play.
Two-try hero Heleina Young remains on the wing, joined in the back three by Ivania Wong and Renae Nona.
Wallaroos Madison Schuck provides experience off the bench, joined by the likes of lock Tina Campbell and Kiwi import Sam Curtis.
Teams
Fijiana Drua (1-15): Bitila Tawake (c), Keleni Marawa, Siteri Rasolea, Mereoni Nakesa, Asinate Serevi, Karalaini Naisewa, Sulita Waisega, Serima Leweniqila, Evivi Senikarivi, Jeniffer Ravutia, Kolora Lomani, Merwai Cumu, Vani Va'aga, Adita Christine Milinia, Luisa Tisolo. Reserves: Joma Rubuti, Anna Korovata, Jade Coates, Doreen Narokete, Adi Fulori Nabura, Setaita Railumu, Wainikiti Vosadruau, Laisani Moceisawana.
Reds (1-15): Bree-Anna Cheatham, Tiarna Molloy, Cristo Tofa, Deni Ross, Annabelle Codey, Carola Kreis, Shannon Parry (c), Haidee Head, Diane Hiini, Carys Dallinger, Ivania Wong, Cecilia Smith, Alana Elisaia, Helena Young, Renae Nona. Reserves: Madi Schuck, Tazmin Sheppard, Theresa Soloai, Tina Campbell, Hana Lane, Sarah Lewis, Ellie Draper, Sam Curtis
