The Fijiana XV rugby team is currently settling in Edinburgh ahead of their Test match against Scotland, scheduled for Sunday morning (Fiji time) at the Hive Stadium. Asinate Serevi, a lock for the Fijiana, shared with SUNsports that the team is adjusting well to the climate and is focused on their upcoming challenge.
Serevi remarked on the cold weather in Scotland but noted that the experience has been enjoyable. She described the long flight as exhausting due to the time difference and climate changes, but overall, it has been a positive experience.
The team will feature five debutants, including three players from overseas and two from local clubs. The debuting players are Penina Turova, Mary Kanace, Iva Sauira, Una Lalabalavu, and Loraini Senivutu. Head coach Mosese Rauluni highlighted the benefit of having three international players train with the team in Fiji, stating that they have been integrating well with the local talent over several months.
Several local players, who made their debuts in recent tests against Japan, have maintained their places on the squad. Those players include Salanieta Nabuli, Tiana Robanakadavu, Unaisi Lalabalavu, Salanieta Kinita, Merewairita Neivosa, and Atelaite Buna.
The Fijiana XV is also preparing for a historic match in the Netherlands against the Orange Ladies, which will be their first encounter. This highly awaited match is scheduled for Thursday, September 19, at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam. The WXV 3 tournament will include teams from Fiji, Colombia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Spain, and Kenya, with Fiji set to face Colombia on October 13.