The Rooster Chicken Fijian Drua Women have named an unchanged starting XV for their Smartech Super Rugby Women Round 2 clash against the Queensland Reds in Lautoka this Saturday.
Head coach Ifereimi Rawaqa has shown faith in the side that secured a 24-10 victory over defending champions Waratahs Women at the Allianz Stadium in Sydney last week, making only four changes to the bench as the Drua prepare for a stern challenge from the Reds.
The squad features a unique family connection, with two sets of sisters included in the matchday 23. Karalaini Naisewa and Keleni Marawa will feature alongside Salaseini and Setaita Railumu, adding an extra layer of familiarity to the Drua’s team chemistry.
Drua’s dominant opening-round performance saw five players named in the Super W Team of the Week, and they will be eager to build momentum as they take on an experienced Reds outfit.
Up front, Salanieta Nabuli starts at loosehead prop, with captain Vika Matarugu anchoring the scrum at tighthead and Marawa packing down at hooker.
The second row sees Mereoni Nakesa, Round 1’s top tackler, pairing with Asinate Serevi, while Alfreda Fisher and Salaseini Railumu retain their flanker roles after impressive debuts. Naisewa completes the back row at number 8.
The backline remains unchanged, with Kolora Lomani and Salanieta Kinita controlling the halfback duties. The centre partnership of Josivini Naihamu and vice-captain Vitalina Naikore provides both attacking flair and defensive solidity, while Alowesi Nakoci and Repeka Tove start on the wings. Luisa Tisolo will once again marshal the defence from fullback.
The bench sees the return of experienced lock Merevesi Ofakimalino, making her first appearance in two years, while Nunia Daunimoala is back from injury to strengthen the loose forward options. Setaita Railumu and Litiana Vueti will provide cover in the halves, with Merewairita Neivosa completing the backline replacements.
Vice-captain Naikore enters the match in record-breaking form, having scored the fastest try in Super Rugby Women’s history last week—crossing the whitewash in just eight seconds.
Meanwhile, centre Naihamu continues her family’s rugby legacy. With a father who played for Nadroga, and brothers competing at the highest levels for Japan and Nadi, she will look to make an impact in midfield.
Matchday 23 – Fijian Drua Women
Starting XV:
- Salanieta Nabuli
- Keleni Marawa
- Vika Matarugu (c)
- Mereoni Nakesa
- Asinate Serevi
- Alfreda Fisher
- Salaseini Railumu
- Karalaini Naisewa
- Kolora Lomani
- Salanieta Kinita
- Alowesi Nakoci
- Josivini Naihamu
- Vitalina Naikore (vc)
- Repeka Tove
- Luisa Tisolo
Replacements:
- Loraini Senivutu
- Ana Korovata
- Tiana Robanakadavu
- Merevesi Ofakimalino
- Nunia Daunimoala
- Setaita Railumu
- Litiana Vueti
- Merewairita Neivosa
The match kicks off at 1.05pm on Saturday at Churchill Park.
