Rooster Chicken Fijiana 15s Head Coach Senirusi Seruvakula has named an exciting 23-member squad to face New Zealand Wahine Maori on Friday at HFC Bank Stadium.
“We are putting in a very experienced side including those girls who played in the Super W and were part of the team which qualified for the Rugby World Cup in 2019. Everyone had put their hands up for selection but we had to select the best players and for now, these are the ones who have been chosen to deliver on the game day,” Seruvakula said.
The front-row is laced with experienced players with Joma Rubuti at Loosehead Prop, Bilita Tawake at the Hookers position and Mereoni Vonosere at Tighthead. Asinate Serevi and Sulita Waisega who were part of the winning Oceania Championship team pair up at locks.
Lautoka flanker Karalaini Naisewa and Suva forward Ema Adivitaloga will be on the flanks while iron lady Sereima Leweniqila will wear the captain the side and guide the scrum at number eight.
In the backs, former Fijiana 7s halfback Ana Maria Roqica returns to her favorite number nine jersey and will share the halves position with Merewalesi Rokouono. Speedster Vitalina Naikore will be on the left wing while Ilisapeci Delaiwau who made her debut in the Oceania Championship starts at right-wing. Vani Arei and Talei Wilson will control the play from midfield while Roela Radiniyavuni will be at fullback.
Brumbies front-row Iris Verebalavu and Suva forward Bulou Vasutugara are expected to earn their first cap off the bench while experienced players such Akosita Ravato, Timaima Ravisa and Kolora Lomani will add more firepower in the second half of the game.
“We have named six forwards and two backs in the reserves mainly because we know we will be fronting some big girls so need to keep up with the momentum in the second half when their bodies get tired. First match is just to look at the combination of these girls and secondly, is to see what these girls can bring to the game before the final selection is done for the Rugby World Cup.”
Rooster Chicken Fijiana 15s Team V New Zealand Wahine Maori
1. Joma Rubuti
2. Bitila Tawake
3. Mereoni Vonosere
4. Asinate Serevi
5. Sulita Waisega
6. Karalaini Naisewa
7. Ema Adivitaloga
8. Sereima Leweniqila
9. Ana Maria Roqica
10. Merewalesi Rokouono
11. Vitalina Naikore
12. Vani Arei
13. Talei Wilson
14. Ilisapeci Delaiwau
15. Roela Radiniyavuni
Reserves
16. Jiowana Sauto
17. Iris Verebalavu
18. Bulou Vasuturaga
19. Merevesi Ofakimalino
20. Akosita Ravato
21. Fulori Nabura
22. Timaima Ravisa
23. Kolora Lomani
