Rookie centre starts for Waratahs

Rookie centre Lusiana Vesikula starts today for the NSW Waratahs as they face the McDonald’s Fiji Drua women in their pre-season clash at the National Stadium in Suva.

The 18-year-old will be joined by five Wallaroos in their preparation to defend the Super W (Women’s) title.

Wallaroos players of Brianna Hoy, Kaitlan Leaney, Emily Chancellor, Piper Simons and Desiree Miller make their first starts of the season, in a side mixed with a blend of youth and experience.

In fact, Simons makes her senior 15s debut for the Waratahs, as do three other players in Pleuni Kievit, Vesikula, Paris Ingegneri.

And head coach Michael Ruthven was looking forward to seeing his side play for the first team this season, with the game acting as a double header with our men’s Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific Round 14 tie against the Fijian Drua.

“We are really excited to announce our first Match Day squad for our first trial against the Fijian Drua,“ Ruthven said.

“It presents an exciting opportunity for the 23 players named to get some quality rugby under their belt. It’s a great balance of experience and youth in our squad.

“The Drua will present a really physical challenge which will be perfect for us as we continue preparing for the season.”

On the bench, there is an experienced front-row who will take to the field in Adiana Talakai, Emily Robinson and Bridie O’Gorman, while we may also see three more senior debuts in the shape of Grace Gillies, Taj Heald, Edie Burke.

The match kicks-off at 1pm.

Line-ups

Waratahs: 1. Brianna Hoy, 2. Siusiuosalafai Volkman, 3. Seneti Kilisimasi, 4. Kaitlan Leaney (vc), 5. Tahlia Morgan, 6. Ruby Anderson, 7. Emily Chancellor (c), 8. Nicole Nathan, 9. Piper Simons, 10. Pleuni Klevit, 11. Desiree Miller (vc), 12. Rosie Ferguson, 13. Lusiana Vesikula, 14. Milly Whitaker, 15. Paris Ingegneri.

Replacements: 16. Adiana Talakai, 17. Emily Robinson, 18. Bridie O’Gorman, 19. Grace Gillies, 20. Brittany Merlo, 21. Taj Heald, 22. Edie Burke, 23. Martha Harvey

Fijian Drua: 1. Karalaini Naisewa, 2. Bitila Tawake (c), 3. Tiana Robanakadavu, 4. Carletta Yee, 5. Karavaki Lutumaibau*, 6. Nunia Daunimoala, 7. Alfreda Fisher, 8. Sulita Waisega, 9. Evivi Senikarivi, 10. Imeri Nai, 11. Repeka Tove, 12. Josivini Naihamu, 13. Ruth Raketekete, 14. Michellae Stolz, 15. Litiana Vueti, 16. Zipporah Sorokacika, 17. Elesi Saukuru, 18. Keleni Marawa, 19. Selai Naliva, 20. Keri Lawavou, 21. Vilisi Tivalele, 22. Kolora Lomani, 23. Varanisese Qoro, 24. Aqela Raitubu, 25. Kelera Roqorua, 26. Vatiseva Cavuru, 27. Vika Nakacia, 28. Ivamere Nabura