Fiji Sun

Male: Experience­d reps to guide newbies

- LEONE CABENATABU­A Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrol­a FRU Media

Nine players from the Super W winning Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua side have retained their spot for the 2023 season, that gets underway next Saturday.

The players are robust No.8 Karalaini Naisewa, Joma Rubuti, Mereoni Vonosere, Bitila Tawake, Jade Coates, Doreen Narokete, Merevesi Ofakimalin­o, Vani Arei and Vitalina Naikore.

Out of the nine players, six who are included were part of the Fijiana XVs side that played at last September’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

The three new overseas-based are burly prop Siteri Rasolea,

Serevi and Sulita Waisega.

Head coach Inoke Male said their guidance and experience were a boost to the side, especially to the new players who eager to play Super W.

“We have been in camp the past three weeks and these girls have lifted the standard of performanc­e to another level. “This has obviously helped the younger players to give their best while in training.

“Come game week against Brumbies we need to sharpen up the structures of the game, play the game that we are known for and stick to our game plan.” players Asinate

Drua captain Bitila Tawake said as defending champions everyone is coming for them.

“The only competitio­n we have is ourselves and we are setting the standards as a team.

“The team last year won the Super W so it’s a whole lot of pressure on us but we are excited about the first match.

“We have a lot of new talent, which not many people have seen yet and we are excited to show that next weekend.”

The Drua takes on Brumbies at 1.35pm next Saturday at Prince Charles Park in Nadi.

ROOSTER CHICKEN FIJIANA DRUA SQUAD FOR 2023 SUPER W

 ?? Photo: ?? Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua prop Mereoni Vonosere (left) tussles for the ball against Rhino Rugby Academy during their friendly match at Prince Charkes Park, Nadi, on March 15, 2023.
Photo: Rooster Chicken Fijiana Drua prop Mereoni Vonosere (left) tussles for the ball against Rhino Rugby Academy during their friendly match at Prince Charkes Park, Nadi, on March 15, 2023.

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