The Fijiana XVs team is currently settling into Edinburgh ahead of their Test match against Scotland, scheduled for Sunday morning (Fiji time) at the Hive Stadium. Fijiana lock Asinate Serevi shared with SUNsports that the team is adapting well to their surroundings and understands the challenge they face.
Serevi commented on the cold weather in Scotland, describing it as a fun experience despite the challenges posed by the long flight and the time difference.
The squad features five debutants: Penina Turova, Mary Kanace, Iva Sauira, Una Lalabalavu, and Loraini Senivutu, with three players joining from overseas and two coming from local clubs. Head coach Mosese Rauluni noted that having the three international players train together in Fiji has been beneficial, as they have been integrating smoothly with the local players for several months.
Several local players who debuted last month in the Vodafone Fijiana tests against Japan have kept their positions in the lineup, including Salanieta Nabuli, Tiana Robanakadavu, Unaisi Lalabalavu, Salanieta Kinita, Merewairita Neivosa, and Atelaite Buna.
Looking ahead, the Fijiana XV will make history by playing their first-ever match against the Orange Ladies in the Netherlands. This eagerly awaited game is set for Thursday, September 19, at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam. The upcoming WXV 3 tournament will also feature teams from Colombia, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Spain, and Kenya, with Fiji’s first match taking place against Colombia on October 13.