Fijiana Duo Make Final Match 23
The Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua and NSW Waratahs have confirmed their sides for tomorrow’s Super W grand final.
The match will be played as part of Super round with the Drua aiming to finish the season unbeaten after their dominant 29-10 victory over the defending champions on the Gold Coast.
Fijiana head coach, Senirusi Seruvakula, made several changes to the side that defeated the Brumbies 17-7 a fortnight ago.
In a surprise move, Reijeli Uluinayau and Sera Seini Ravatude have forced their way into the Match 23 list.
They will be on the bench along with Younis Bese who came in as a late replacement.
Robust Vika Matarugu comes into the starting front-row at hooker.
Merevesi Ofakimalino is joined in the second row by Jade Coates as Karalaini Naisewa and Ema Adivitaloga slot into flanker alongside Sereima Leweniqila at No.8.
Kolora Lomani re-joins the side for the decider, slotting on the wing as Bese returns to the bench.
Olympians Tima Ravisa and Roela Radiniyavuni were named in the backline.
Ravisa is at full-back while Radiniyavuni is at second five-eight where she partners London-based Raijeli Laqeretabua.
McKenzie recovers to partner
Batibasaga
As for the Waratahs, they have made one change to the starting front-row for the rematch, with Bridie O’Gorman switching with Eva Karpani at tight head prop.
Arabella McKenzie has made a remarkable recovery just days from being carried off the field on a stretcher, partnering Illseva Batibasaga in the halves.
Lori Cramer returns to the starting side on the wing whilst Pauline Piliae slots into inside centre as Katrina Baker failed to overcome a shoulder complaint.
“Pauline fits in nicely in that second playmaker role and as we like to play a fairly expansive game, her passing and ability to distribute and kick well give us more options,” Aitken told rugby.com.au.
“We’re hoping with Pauline at 12 it will allow us to play a bit quicker and wider.”
The match kicks off at 4pm.
Line-ups
Fijiana Drua: 1. Joma Rubuti, 2. Vika Matarugu, 3. Bitila Tawake (c), 4. Jade Coates, 5. Merevesi Ofakimalino, 6. Karalaini Naisewa, 7. Ema Adivitaloga, 8. Sereima Leweniqila, 9. Rusila Tamoi, 10. Merewalesi Rokouono, 11. Vitalina Naikore, 12. Roela Radiniyavuni, 13. Raijieli Laqeretabua, 14. Kolora Lomani, 15. Timaima Ravisa
Reserves: 16. Keleni Marawa, 17. Mereoni Naositava, 18. Sera Seini Ravatude, 19. Akosita Ravato, 20. Teresia Tinanivalu, 21. Rejiele Uluinayau, 22. Vani Arei, 23. Younis Bese.
Waratahs: 1. Emily Robinson, 2. Natalie Delamere, 3. Bridie O’Gorman, 4. Kaitlan Leaney, 5. Sera Naiqama, 6. Piper Duck, 7. Emily Chancellor, 8. Grace Hamilton (captain), 9. Illseva Batibasaga, 10. Arabella McKenzie, 11. Lori Cramer, 12. Pauline Piliae, 13. Georgina Friedrichs, 14. Margot Vella, 15. Mahalia Murphy
Reserves: 16. Faliki Pohiva, 17. Adiana Talakai, 18. Eva Karpani, 19. Sabine Blakeman, 20. Ella Koster, 21. Nicole Nathan, 22. Tatum Bird, 23. Layne Morgan.
