Naihamu ruled out as rookie Raketekete earns Test debut against Springbok Women

Injury has ruled out Vodafone Fijiana XV star second-five eighth Josivini Naihamu in tomorrow’s first rugby Test against South Africa at Suva’s National Stadium.

Naihamu had nursed the injury during the Super W grand-final against NSW Waratahs and has been undergoing rehab. She has been regarded the best Super W player and scooped most awards in the recent Drua Women’s Awards night.

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 captain Kolora Lomani said they have worked on what they need to do under newly appointed head coach Willie Walker.

“They (South Africa) are a very physical side,” Lomani said.

“They come and play with a lot of heart and we’ve worked on that.”

Lomani said she is honoured to lead the Fijiana XV.

Stepping in for Naihamu is rookie Ruth Raketekete who will form the centre partnership with strong running Merewairita Neivoha.

A boost for the Fijiana XV is the inclusion of Western Force speedster Vani Buleki who will be on the wings with Repeka Tove.

Raketekete and Buleki will be making their first Test debut as well.

Coach Walker has called on the players to play their best against South Africa, dubbed Springbok women.

The teams last met at the 2021 Women’s Rugby World Cup Pool C where the Fijiana XV side ran away with a 21-17 win. The match winning try was scored by No.8 Karalaini Naisewa.

The other tries were scored by Ilisapeci Delaiwau and Akanisi Sokoiwasa.

Naisewa, Lomani, Waisega and Bitila Tawake were members of that winning team and are in the current Fijiana XV squad.

The match kicks off at 2pm.