OBE recipient says joining a rugby-mad nation was a key reason for taking the role.

Kautoga said the players also needed to make smarter decisions on the field, particularly when it comes to penalty options.

Despite qualifying for the national playoffs, Tawake said the team had identified areas that needed improvement.

The former Black Ferns XV and Auckland Blues Women coach said it was a privilege to lead Fiji and help drive the growth of the women’s game.

Also ruled out with a shoulder injury is livewire hooker Keleni Marawa while robust No.8 Sulita Waisega has not made the Match 23 squad.

Fijiana XV will face South Africa in a World Rugby-sanctioned Test before the Deans national Under-18 quarterfinals begin.