We’ll play our best: Marawa
The Fijiana XV, captained by Bitila Tawake, will face the Australian Wallaroos next week with a squad featuring a mix of seasoned campaigners like Marawa, Sulita Waisega, and Karalaini Naisewa, alongside fresh talents Silika Qalo, Adi Keri Lawavou, and Elesi Rotabaiwalu. After a 43-7 defeat in Suva earlier this month, the team hopes their new blend of players can deliver a tougher challenge in Australia.
Saturday 21 March 2026 | 21:30
Members of the Fijiana XV team and management with the Australian High Commissioner Peter Roberts Oam (front sixth from left) and Rugby Australia president Kristy Giteau (front eighth from left)at the Australian High Commissioner’s residentce on March 18, 2026.
Photo: Sereana Salalo-Baleiwai
The Vodafone Fijiana XV forward Keleni Marawa is hopeful they will have a good run against Wallaroos as they challenge the Vuvale Bowl on March 27 at GIO Stadium, Suva.
The 36-year-old is one of the senior players who’ll leave for Australia today.
Marawa said there has been a good blend of young and senior players on the side.
New faces on the side includes Fijiana 7s’ Silika Qalo, Adi Keri Lawavou and Elesi Rotabaiwalu while senior players include Sulita Waisega, Marawa and Karalaini Naisewa.
“There’s only a few senior players in the team and there’s a lot of new players including some uncapped players,” Marawa said.
“These players were selected through the HPU pathway and the Marama championship.
“We have lost to the Wallaroos in previoius Test matches and we hope we would do better next week and give them a tough challenge,” she added.
The Fijiana XV side is captained by Bitila Tawake.
The Australian Wallaroos defeated Fijiana 43-7 in a dominant 2025 Test match in Suva, scoring seven tries to one on May 3, 2025.
Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj .
News you can trust:
Explore more on these topics
Advertisement
Advertise with Fiji Sun