What you need to know: FIJIANA DRUA V BRUMBIES
Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua V Brumbies
Expect a gritty and mouthwatering battle when the Super W defending champions Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua take on Brumbies in their season opener at Prince Charles Park in Nadi on Saturday.
The Fijiana Drua has promised to showcase an exciting brand of rugby when they front up their opponents for the first time at home. The fans were rather unfortunate not to witness the Fijiana Drua make a mesmerizing sail last year but the time has come when the number one Super W team needs full support and a jam-packed crowd to kick off the season on a winning note.
Players to look out for:
The Drua may have lost some key players like Sereima Leweniqila, Vitalina Naikore and Roela Radiniyavuni but coach Inoke Male has carefully put together a formidable squad for this weekend.
Bitila Tawake
Bitila Tawake has been one of the most dedicated players since last year. She led the team to victory last year and also played a vital role in the front row. Obviously, she will be loaded with tasks on the day that is to take charge of the scrum as a hooker and at the same time make some important calls as the skipper.
Joma Rubuti
Another front-rower and the most experienced Fijiana player around in the team. Joma has been part of women’s rugby since 2016 and her experience certainly will play a vital role in guiding the young girls in the team.
Karalaini Naisewa
The 29-year-old, Narata, Nadroga lass has also proven to be a strong contender in the game. She is a utility player and could feature at Number eight or in the front row if needed by coach Male. Naisewa has been known for her power and ruthless tackles which will definitely be something of a concern to Brumbies.
Sulita Waisega and Asinate Serevi
These two players have gained a lot of experience playing for the Fijiana 15’s at the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand last year. Asinate moved up the rank and also captained the national team against South Africa and France. Despite all these experiences they are yet to taste a victory with Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua which will make their debut a worthy one if they do appear in the run-on team for Saturday’s match.
Laisani Moceisawana
The former sprinter will be looking forward to making her debut in the 15s code this weekend. She has been part of the Fiji Airways Fijiana 7s team over the years and has gelled in well with Fijiana Drua girls. If given a chance on the game day, Laisani could be proven to be a throne for the Brumbies defenders.
About Brumbies
Brumbies are expected to name two players with links to Fiji. Fijiana 15’s prop Iris Verebalavu and Tabua Tuinakauvadra will add some Fijian flair to the visitors’ squad who will be looking forward to restoring lost glory from their 17-7 loss against the Fijiana Drua last season.
The Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua face Brumbies at 1.35pm at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.