Young Fijiana 15s forward Michella’e Stolz and backline star Vika Matarugu have earned starting roles for Fiji in their Rugby World Cup 2025 showdown with Scotland this Sunday. Stolz, who was not picked for last week’s match, said she’s grateful to have another chance and is ready to give her best for the team.
“I’ve been trying to work harder to get picked. And now, I’m just going to do the best I can for my team. I’m looking forward to it, I’m very excited,” Stolz said.
In addition to Stolz and Matarugu, Fiji have made a handful of other changes to the squad. Veteran Alowesi Nakoci will line up in the backline, and Verenaisi Ditavutu will start at outside centre, as Fiji prepares for a physical Scotland outfit.
After a week of focused training and a positive recovery period following the Canada match, the team is eager to showcase Fiji’s flair and resilience on the world stage. Head coach Ioan Cunningham welcomed the squad’s adaptation to a new environment, noting that a World Cup setting is as much about adaptability as it is about playing.
“It’s the beauty of being in a World Cup, not just playing but also adapting to new environments. The girls have settled in well, we had a good recovery session after the Canada match, and training has been very positive. It has set us up nicely for the match against Scotland,” Cunningham said.
This selection continues Fiji’s trend of blending youthful energy with experience as they aim to test themselves against top opposition. Stolz, part of Fiji’s emerging group of young talents, has been highlighted by coaches as a future cornerstone of the Fijiana. Matarugu’s inclusion alongside Stolz signals Fiji’s intent to maintain pace and flair while building depth for the World Cup year ahead.
What this means for Fiji
– The addition of Stolz and Matarugu reinforces Fiji’s strategy of integrating sevens‑influenced speed with 15s discipline.
– The presence of Nakoci and Ditavutu in key positions provides leadership and continuity in the backline as the team faces a challenging Scotland front.
– Coaches emphasize that the squad’s success will hinge on maintaining tempo, improving cohesion, and translating attacking intent into 80 minutes of sustained pressure.
Summary
Michella’e Stolz and Vika Matarugu will start for Fiji against Scotland in the Rugby World Cup 2025, with Stolz expressing gratitude for the opportunity after missing out last week. Fiji also welcomes Alowesi Nakoci in the backline and Verenaisi Ditavutu at outside centre, as Ioan Cunningham stresses adaptability and positive training momentum heading into a crucial group-stage clash.
Comments and value-added notes
– Positive trajectory: This selection reflects Fiji’s ongoing development pathway, blending young talent with experienced players to build depth for the World Cup and future competitions.
– Potential impact: Stolz’s confidence and Matarugu’s attack threat could help unleash Fiji’s pace against Scotland’s physical defense, offering fans a promising display of Fijian rugby flair.
– For WordPress:
– Headline ideas: Fijiana Tap Young Firepower for Scotland Clash; Stolz and Matarugu Start as Fiji Look to Upset Scotland; Fiji’s Youthful Spark Ready for World Cup Test
– Image caption idea: Stolz and Matarugu in line for Fiji’s World Cup clash with Scotland
– Tags to consider: Fiji Rugby, Fijiana, Women’s Rugby World Cup, Ioan Cunningham, Scotland, 15s, Stolz, Matarugu
Logical context
The move to combine emerging talents with seasoned internationals aligns with Fiji’s broader approach to elevate women’s rugby on the world stage, using World Cup exposure to accelerate player development and inspire the next generation of players back home. If Fiji can balance speed with structure and maintain discipline, they have reason for optimism as they push to compete with stronger teams in Pool B.
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