Fiji Drua Women have named a bold matchday squad that includes 10 debutants for their Super Rugby Women season opener this Saturday in Sydney, the club announced on Thursday. Head coach Mike Legge has mixed fresh faces with seasoned internationals as his side prepares to travel to Leichhardt Oval to face defending champions the Waratahs.
Legge said the selections were driven by form through the pre-season, with several players forcing their way into contention with standout performances. "Pre-season showed us who was ready," Legge said in the team release, pointing to the balance of new energy and experience in the 23. The 10 debutants were rewarded after impressing in training and warm-up fixtures, he added.
Among the confirmed debutants are Vodafone Fijiana 15s representatives Varanisese Qoro and Ivamere Rokowati, Nadroga lock Karavaki Lutumaibau and Nasinu prospect Aqela Raitubu. Qoro is named at flyhalf and will combine in the halves with halfback Evivi Senikarivi, while Rokowati pairs with Josivini Naihamu in a midfield that Legge will be looking to inject pace and physicality into.
Captain Bitila Tawake returns to a starting role and will operate at hooker, flanked in the front row by loosehead prop Karalaini Naisewa and tighthead Tiana Robanakadavu. The engine room sees a new-look second row, with veteran Mereoni Nakesa partnered by debutant Lutumaibau. The loose-forward trio features Carletta Yee, Nunia Daunimoala and vice-captain Alfreda Fisher at No. 8, providing leadership through the pack.
Out wide, the back three is built for width and counter-attack. Raitubu and Kolora Lomani take the wing berths, with Litiana Vueti named at fullback. The bench blends experience and youth, with Zipporah Sorokacika, Keri Lawavou, Vilisi Tivalele and Michella’e Stolz among the replacements who could be called upon to influence the contest.
The Drua enter Saturday's match keen to open their Super Rugby Women campaign strongly against a Waratahs side that lifted the title last season. Legge’s selection signals a willingness to blood new talent early in the campaign while maintaining a core of international leaders to guide the group. The team’s performance at Leichhardt Oval will be an early indicator of how quickly the newcomers adapt to the step up and how effectively the mix of youth and experience can challenge the reigning champions.